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COLONEL HENRY A. MORROW. 
(brevet brigadier and brevet major general.) 



HISTORY 



TWEHTYfOUHTfl flllGllIGAIl 



IRON BRIGADE, 



KNOWN AS THE 



DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY REGIMENT. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



^WdV; 



By OrB^CuRTis, A. M., 

OF THE REGIMENT. ^ 



DETROIT. /niCll. 

Winn &. liA/A/noND. 

1891. 



To Our Heroic Dead who Perished 
FOR THEIR Country, in Hospital, Prison 
Pen and on the Battlefield this Vol- 
ume is Respectfully Dedicated. 

the author. 



ELS w 



COPYRIGHT, 1891, 
BY O. B. CURTIS. 




1st DIVISION-lST ARJIY CORPS. 




3rd DIVISION— 5th ARMY CORPS. 



Introduction. 



By request of his comrades the author has written this volume. 
For centuries, the story of the Anabasis and Retreat of the Ten 
Thousand Greeks, and the incursions of Hannibal into Italy have 
been perused with interest by classical readers ; while the great 
campaigns of Bonaparte against the Allied Powers have been the 
wonder of modern times. But our own nation has a martial record 
as eventful as any in previous time. 

A full history of its Great War can never be written. Each 
soldier's experience is a volume in itself, portions of which are related 
in country stores in winter, at noonings in harvest and around veteran 
camp-fires. Such recitals must soon cease. To preserve the deeds of 
the Regiment which sustained the heaviest loss in the greatest battle 
of that war, and incidently those of the Iron Brigade which suffered 
the greatest per cent of loss during the war, of all the Brigades of the 
Union Armies, this history is written. 

It has required many months of research through war time 
letters, diaries and official records, by one who was an actor in a 
portion of that strife. In this laborious task, the author acknowledges 
valuable assistance from the late Sergeant S. D. Green (N. C. S.), 
from Chaplain WILLIAM C. Way, and Major E. B. Wight ; also from 
Colonel A. M. Edwards, Captain William R. Dodsley and 
Sergeant Robert Gibbons of the Publication Committee, Should 
this volume interest its readers, the compiler will be repaid for his 
gratuitous labors. 

O. B. CURTIS. 

Detroit, Michigan, ) 



(3) 



Contents. 



Chapter. Page. 

I. The Slaveholders' Rebellion, 9 

II. Raising the Regiment, 24 

III. First Months of Army Life, 52 

IV. March to the Rappahannock 71 

V. Battle of Fredericksburg, ......... 86 

VI. Winterquarters at Belle Plain 105 

VII. Chancellorsville Campaign 121 

VIII. From Chancellorsville to Gettysburg 137 

IX. Battle of Gettysburg, 155 

X. After Gettysburg — 1863 193 

XI. Winterquarters near Culpepper, 214 

XII. Grant's Campaign — 1864 229 

XIII. Siege of Petersburg — 1864, 266 

XIV. Closing Months of the War, 287 

XV. The Armies Disbanded, 307 

XVI. Original Members of the Reglment, 321 

XVII. Recruits, 346 

XVIII. Roster of Officers 357 

XIX. The Dead of the Twenty- fourth Michigan, 371 

XX. Records of the Survivors, 382 

XXI. Michigan Day at Gettysburg, 403 

XXII. Confederate Prisons, 428 

XXIII. Iron Brigade and Battery B, 452 

XXIV. Our Last March, 474 



(4) 



Illustrations. 



Nu 
I. 
2. 

3- 
4. 
5- 
6. 

7- 

8. 

9- 

lO. 

II. 

12. 

13- 

14. 

15. 
16. 

17- 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22. 

23- 

24. 

25- 

26. 

27. 
28. 
29. 
30. 

31- 
32. 
33- 
34- 
35- 
36. 
37- 
33. 

39- 
40. 

41- 
42. 
43- 
44- 
45- 
46. 



MBER. Page. 

CoL Henry A. Morrow, Frontispiece 

First Corps Badge, Frontispiece 

Fifth Corps Badge, Frontispiece 



Slaves Planting Cotton, 
The Cotton Gin, .... 
Hon. Charles Sumner, . . . 

John Brown, 

Fort Sumter, 1861, .... 
The Peninsula, Va., . 
Campus Martius, Detroit, 

Capt. E. B. Ward 

Hon. Duncan Stewart, . 

Hon. Lewis Cass, .... 

Wayne County Map, . . • 

Departure from Home, . 

Route to the Front, . . . . 

Scene in Pennsylvania, . 

Route to Camp Shearer, . 

Pope's Campaign — Map, 

On Cars through Maryland, . 

Route to Join the Army, 

At Middletown, Md., .... 63 



9 
10 

14 
15 
19 

22 

25 
27 
27 
32 
36 
47 
50 
51 
53 
56 

59 
61 



Route to Berlin, 1862, 
Burnside Bridge, 
American Eagle, 
Berlin Crossing, . 
Raiding Strawstacks, 
Warrenton, Va., . 
General McClellan, . 
Route to Fredericksburg, 
Persimmon Tree, . 
General Burnside, 
Franklin's Crossing, . 
Barnard Mansion, 
Field of Fredericksburg, 
Fredericksburg, Va., 
Battle of Fredericksburg, 



64 

67 
70 
72 
73 
76 

78 
82 

85 
87 
89 
90 

92 
94 

98 



General Doubleday, loi 

Soldier's House — Tent,. . . 104 

Camp Isabella 106 

" Mud March," iii 

Wearied Soldier Boy, .... 113 

General Hooker, 117 

24th Michigan in Bivouac, . . 120 

Port Royal Expedition, . . . 122 

Port Royal Crossing 123 



Number 

47. Fitzhugh Crossing, . 

48. Drummer Boy 

49. Field of Chancellorsvilie, . 

50. United States Flag, . . . 

51. "Chuchor-Luck," 

52. Captured Oxen, .... 

53. Westmoreland Expedition, 

54. Executing Deserter, . 

55. Route to the Potomac, . . 

56. March to Gettysburg, . . 

57. General Meade, .... 

58. Bealeton Station, Va., . 

59. General Reynolds, . 

60. Gettysburg, Frst Day, 

61. Iron Brigade at Gettysburg, 

62. Defending the Colors, . . 

63. Field of Gettysburg, 

64. Seminary, Gettysburg, . 

65. John Burns, .... 

66. Place of Reynold's death, 

67. Pursuit of Lee, . . . 

68. Bivouac and Camp Fire, 

69. Route to Rappahannock, 

70. Brandy Station, Va., . . 

71. Campaign of Maneuvers. 

72. Thoroughfare Gap, Va., . 

73. Mine Run Campaign, . 

74. Field of Mine Run, . . 

75. General Rufus King, . 

76. Penal Drill, 

77. Rail Fence Guard, . . 

78. Gen. John Newton, 

79. Gen. U. S. Grant, 

80. Gov. Austin Blair, .... 

81. Old Flag of the 24th Michigan 

82. Route to Rapidan, ' . . . 

83. Germanna Crossing, 

84. Iron Brigade at Wilderness, 

85. Wilderness Battlefield, . . 

86. Fighting in Wilderness, . 

87. General Wadsworth, . . 

88. Todd's Tavern, 

89. Iron Brigade at Laurel Hill, 

90. At the Salient 

91. Tree cut down by bullets, . 

92. Field of Spottsylvania, . . 



Page. 
126 
129 

132 
136 
138 
140 
142 
145 
148 

151 
153 
154 
156 
158 
161 
164 

174 
181 

183 
192 

195 
197 
199 
202 
206 
208 
2X1 
212 

215 
217 
218 
220 
222 
223 
228 
229 
230 
232 
233 
234 
236 

239 
240 

243 
244 

245 



(5) 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Number. Page. Num 

93. Route to North Anna, . . . 249 124. 

94. Route to Cold Harbor, . . . 254 125. 

95. Route to Petersburg, , . . . 259 126. 

96. Iron Brigade at Petersburg, . 261 127. 

97. Wounded Burning up, . . . 265 128. 

98. Siege of Petersburg 268 129. 

99. Position on Weldon Road, . . 272 130. 
100. Burying the Dead, .... 273 131. 
loi. General Crawford 277 132. 

102. Map of Hatcher's Run, . . . 278 133. 

103. Destroying Railroad, .... 283 134. 

104. General Warren, 299 135. 

105. Abraham Lincoln 304 136. 

106. Lincoln's Home 306 137. 

107. Lieut. -Col. Mark Flanigan, . . 316 138. 

108. Lieut.-Col. W. W. Wight, . . 316 139. 

109. Lieut.-Col. A. M. Edwards, . . 316 140. 
no. Major Hutchinson 3x6 141. 

111. Amputating Table, .... 319 142. 

112. Jericho Mills 345 '43- 

113. Washington's Tomb 400 144. 

114. Gen. Byron R. Pierce, . . . 402 145. 

115. Col. Samuel E. Pittman, . . 402 146. 

116. Gen. Luther S. Trowbridge, . 402 147. 

117. Rev. James H. Potts 402 148. 

118. 24th Michigan Monument, . 406 149. 

119. Capt. Wm. R. Dodsley, . . . 410 150. 

120. Lieut. E. B. Welton, . . . 410 151. 

121. Lieut. C. H. Chope 410 152. 

122. O. B. Curtis, 414 153. 

123. Sergt. Robert E. Bolger, . . . 414 154. 



BER. Price. 

Sergt. S. D. Green, .... 414 

Sergt. Robert Gibbons, . . . 414 

Capt. W. G. Vinton, .... 418 

Major Edwin B. Wight, . . . 418 

Chaplain Wm C. Way, ... 418 

Lieut. C. C. Yemans, .... 418 

Camp Scene, 427 

Union Prison, Elmira, N. Y., 429 

Rebel Prison, Millen, Ga., . . 431 

Salisbury Prison, N. C, . . 435 

Libby Prison, Richmond, . . 438 

Prison Dead Wagon, . . . 439 

Scene in Andersonville, . . . 443 

Andersonville Prison, . . . 447 

Starved Union Prisoner, . . . 449 

449 

"... 449 

War Scene, 451 

Turner's Pass, South Mountain, 453 

Gen. Lucius Fairchild, . . . 456 

Gen. John Gibbon 462 

Gen. Sol. Meredith 462 

Gen. Lysander Cutler, . . . 462 

Gen. E. S. Bragg, 462 

Gen. W. W. Robinson, ... 468 

Gen. Henry A. Morrow, . . . 468 

Gen. J. A. Kellog, .... 468 

Gen. Rufus Dawes, .... 468 

Battery B. in action, 476 

Major James Stewart, . 472 

Doc C. B. Aubrey, .... 473 



Errata 



Page 71, line 11: "Lieutenant Flanigan " should read "Lieutenant- 
Colonel Flanigan." 

Page 91, line 25 : " formed " should read " moved." 

Page 163, line 14: all after "field" should not appear. 

Page 163: line 15 should not appear. 

Page 163, line 16: after "flag" should appear "from a wounded 
soldier." 

Page 339: "Abraham Hoffman" should be "Abram Hoffman." 

Page 340: after Edward Wilson, "Germany, 26," should be "Detroit, 
20." 



(7) 



CHAPTER L 



The Slaveholders' Rebellion. 



SLAVERY ITS CAUSE. 

^■■■^ HE Civil War of 1861 to 1865, in America, was a rebellion of 

■^^^^^ slaveholders against the government of the United States. 

B It formed an extraordinary epoch in the world's history. It 

cost over half a million of lives and a mountain of debt. 

It brought devastation to many parts of the land. It caused untold 

sorrow throughout the nation. The cause of this terrible and 

unjustifiable war was an unsuccessful effort to extend and perpetuate 

slavery of the African race in the United States. Every reason for 

the rebellion can be traced to this root. 



•»»7T 



ITS INTRODUCTION, GROWTH AND INFLUENCE IN 
THE COLONIES. 

In August, 1619, a Dutch war vessel arrived at Jamestown, 
Virginia, with twenty negroes who were sold to the planters for 
slaves. In 1790, the 
slaves in the colo- ^^ 
nies had increased ^ 
to 697,897, of which 
40>373 were in six 
of the Northern, 
and the rest in the 
six Southern States, 
Massachusetts hav- 
ing none. 

During the strug- 
gle for American 
Independence, slav- 
ery was an anoma- 
lous feature of the 
free republic. The 
colonists were seeking sympathy from the civilized world in their 
efforts for liberty, and yet, were holding in slavery their own fellow 

2 (9) 




SLAVES PLANTING COTTON SEED. 



10 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



human beings! It was a marvelous sight to General Lafayette, who 
had brought upon himself the reprehension of his own government 
and braved the perils of the sea and his capture in behalf of 
the struggling people of the New World, to behold the " black 
domestiques " held in bondage by those for whose own liberty he was 
about to hazard his immense fortune and his life. 

Slavery's influence had become so great that, after the 
Revolution-, it was a great embarrassment in the formation of the new 
government. The best statesmen, South and North, believed it in the 
course of ultimate extinction. That all the colonies might be induced 
to enter the Union, compromises were incorporated in the 
Constitution whereby, (i) It was made a reserved right of the 
several States to retain or abolish slavery ; (2) States retaining the 
system were allowed a three-fifths representation in congress and the 
electoral college for their slaves; (3) The foreign slave trade was 
permitted to continue for twenty years; (4) The rendition to their 
masters of slaves escaping to another State. The " institution," as it 
came to be called, gradually receded from the Northern States, and 
Washington, as an example, manumitted his own slaves at his death. 



INFLUENCE OF THE COTTON GIN. 

About this period slavery received a great stimulus in the South 
from the invention of the cotton gin a few years before by 

Eli Whitney, a 
school-mast e r 
from Connecticut 
teaching in the 
South. It was a 
machine so simple 
that the rudest 
African could 
operate it and 
separate the cot- 
ton seeds from 
the fibre. The 
great demand for 
cotton and its 
preparation for 
the market made 
thus easy, its 

SLAVES AND THE COTTON GIN. prOUUCtlOn ' WaS 




THE SLAVEHOLDERS REBELLION. II 

enhanced, and slavery became profitable in the cotton growing States. 
These States, upon the termination of the foreign slave trade, relied 
upon the border, or slave States adjacent to the free States, for their 
supply of human chattels, and thus the system became a source of 
profit to the entire South. For this it Avas fostered, and its 
extension and protection became the chief effort and study of 
Southern statesmen. 

COMPROMISES FOR SLAVERY — ITS BARBARISM. 

Slavery became a power in the Nation. Scarcely a question 
arose in State or Church, but had slavery as a factor in its 
determination. Its demands were usually made with the alternative 
of a dissolution of the Union. Under such threats, in 1820, a new 
compromise was granted the South, by which, in lieu of the admission 
of Missouri as a slave State, all territory of the Louisiana Purchase 
north of 36^ 30' should ever after be free. This became known 
as the Missouri Compromise. In 1845, it demanded the annexation 
of Texas and the Mexican War, all for the acquisition of territory 
from which to carve new slave States. In 1850, it again threatened 
the Union without new guaranties. Its behests were granted with 
the odious Fugitive Slave Law, which not only returned the escaped 
slave to his master, but gave the latter power to carry off any colored 
person, bond or free, without jury trial, or permission of such colored 
person to testify in his own behalf, and consign him to life-long 
bondage. Its enforcement permitted the tearing away of parents and 
husbands from wives and children, and making Northern people 
parties to the inhumanity, or suffer fine and imprisonment for refusal 
to act the part of slave hounds at the bidding of the master. 

The South had always practiced the inter-state slave trade, which 
was not a reserved right of the States. Children were taken from 
mothers and husbands from wives, like animals, and sold from each 
other forever! The decks of boats going down the Chesapeake, or 
Ohio and Mississippi, frequently contained chained gangs of human 
beings of both sexes and all ages — guilty of no crime — destined for 
the slave marts of the far South. The people of the North had a 
right to protest against this internal (and infernal) slave traffic, as a 
matter of inter-state commerce ; but legislation thereon had never 
been attempted, under threats that the South would dissolve the 
Union. 



12 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

ABOLITIONISM — AGITATION — "UNCLE TOM'S CABIN." 

While Southern statesmen and divines were arguing the 
christianizing effects of slavery upon the African race, and 
complaining against its agitation, they seemed to forget that their 
own conduct of their system was largely the cause of such agitation 
by a few scattered "Abolitionists " in the North. The barbarism of 
slavery begot abolitionism. While a portion of the South was 
fostering the foreign slave trade which had been outlawed as piracy, 
the few abolitionists in the North, believing that slavery was not 
divine, but the " sum of all villainies," kept the " underground 
railroad" in operation, by which slaves were spirited away and on 
towards the free soil of Canada.* The abolitionists were a despised 
set, North and South, much like the anarchists of the present time. 
They believed that slavery should be abolished, but just exactly how 
this could be brought about they knew not, but ever wound up their 
arguments with the averment that the Almighty would in time devise 
some plan to such end. In 1852, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote 
" Uncle Tom's Cabin," which aroused the deep conscience of the 
North by mildly disclosing the enormities of slavery. Doubtless, no 
book, except the bible, was ever translated into so many languages 
about the globe, and having been dramatized is at this day the most 
popular play on the stage, in any land. It was a most powerful 
generator of anti-slavery sentiment, and began to make abolitionism 
respectable in the North. Yet, notwithstanding the growth of this 
feeling, the two great political parties of the country — Whig and 
Democratic — insisted as late as 1852, in their national platforms, that 
the constitutional provisions relating to slavery must be kept in 
honor. For two years slavery agitation seemed to cool off. 
Abolitionism and free-soilism seemed to have lost much of the force 
which "Uncle Tom's Cabin" gave them. Had the South rested its 
case where the compromises of 1850 had left it, and as endorsed by 
the great political parties of the land, the troublous times which 
followed would have been postponed, without doubt, for some 
indefinite time, if not generations. 



*The Detroit was the "Jordan River" for these escaping slaves. For many years, the last 
station on this "underground railroad" was located about PuUen's Corners, Romulus Township, 
Wayne County. By night the fugitives were driven to the Detroit river and rowed across to their 
" Canaan shore." 



THE SLAVEHOLDERS' REBELLION. 1 3 

GRASPING POWER OF SLAVERY — REPEAL OF MISSOURI 
COMPROMISE. 

But slavery would not be satisfied. Every census showed a rapid 
advance in population in the North and West. Not so in the South, 
to which immigration, which usually follows isothermal lines, could 
not be diverted. Its political power was waning. It must have more 
territory out of which to form new slave States. So, in 1854, it 
demanded and secured the repeal of the Missouri Compromise of 
1820, thereby opening up to slavery all the remaining territory of the 
Louisiana Purchase, including Kansas, Nebraska, North]* Dakota, 
South Dakota, Montana and Idaho. The North became aroused at 
the grasping behest of the slave power, and a firm stand was made 
against any extension of slavery beyond the limits of the States in 
which it then existed. The Republican party came into existence at 
this time and embodied the principle of non-extension of slavery as its 
central idea. The Whig party went out of existence. The free-soilers 
and abolitionists generally voted with the new Republican party as 
being nearest to their views. The largest portion of the Democratic 
party in the South and North, with many old line Whigs, adhered to 
the Democratic party, whose central idea, as opposed to the 
Republicans, was, that the question of slavery, with other local issues, 
in the territories, should be left to a vote of the people therein. This 
doctrine was popularly called by its friends in those days, " squatter 
sovereignty." And thus the now two great parties of the country — 
Democratic and Republican, — so divided on the question of slavery, 
went into the presidential election of 1856.' 

AGITATION — CANING OF SUMNER — JOHN BROWN RAID. 

And thus were the floodgates of slavery agitation re-opened. 
The years from 1854 to i860 were almost wholly, in congress and the 
public press, devoted to acrimonious disputes over questions involving 
slavery. In country stores, on the streets, at church, and everywhere, 
when two men met of opposite political faith, a raspish debate with 
hot words was sure to follow on the subject of slavery. Its adherents 
and opponents met in Kansas Territory and in fighting out the 
question of its being a free or a slave State, on the "squatter 
sovereignty" line, bloodshed resulted between the contestants from 
the North and South who met there. The presidential election of 
1856 was the bitterest and most exciting that ever occurred in this 
country. James Buchanan, the Democratic candidate, received the 



H 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



vote of all but the entire solid South, defeating John C. Fremont, the 
Republican candidate, who received the electoral vote of the solid 
North except four States. And thus party lines became distinctly 
sectional upon the slavery question, and the agitation went on 




CHARLES Sl'MNER. 



— the South making new demands under threats of dissolving the 
Union in the event of the election of a Republican president, and the 
North passing personal liberty bills, under the reserved rights of the 
States, rendering difficult the execution of the odious fugitive 
slave law. 

Within the space of three years, during this period, occurred two 
events which did more than all else to fire the hearts of the two 
sections, — yet, vulgarly speaking, they were mere side shows, but 
attracted more attention than the entire menagerie. One was an 
aggression against the North, and created more recruits for the 
Republican party than all other issues. The other was an aggression 
against the South, which did more than all else to advance the 
secession sentiment of the South. 

(i). In 1856, Senator Butler, of South Carolina, delivered in the 
United States Senate a harsh speech against Senator Sumner, of 
Massachusetts. Soon after, the latter made an able but sarcastic 



THE SLAVEHOLDERS REBELLION. 



15 



speech in reply, quite as harshly arraigning his opponent in debate, 
which enraged the slave-state senators. A day or two later, while 
Senator Sumner was sitting alone at his desk writing letters, after the 
adjournment of the senate, Preston S. Brooks, a representative of 
South Carolina and a relative of Senator Butler, stealthily approached 
Mr. Sumner's seat with a heavy bludgeon, and without warning, caned 
him nearly to death, breaking this gutta-percha weapon over his 
head in his cowardly and murderous assault. Several Southern 
senators witnessed the affair from the cloak rooms, ready to come to 
Brooks' assistance if needed. This brutal act was applauded in the 
South, and caused great anti-slavery agitation in the North as a 
slavery blow at free speech in the senate. After several years' 
absence from his seat by reason of this outrage, Mr. Sumner returned 
to his seat in the senate, but eventually died of the effects of the 
caning. Both Brooks and Butler went to their graves within a year 
after the brutal assault. 







JOHN BROWN. 



(2). In 1859, t^^^ South became greatly inflamed over the insane 
act of a monomaniac. John Brown was a graduate of the pro-slavery 
troubles in Kansas. He had been driven from his home there, and 



l6 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

two of his sons killed by pro-slavery mobs. On March 12, 1859, ^^ 
arrived in Detroit with fourteen slaves from Missouri. That same 
night, Frederick Douglass, the colored orator, lectured in Detroit,^ 
after which, John Brown, Douglass, and several well-known colored 
people of Detroit met at 185 Congress street east, which seemed to be 
a preliminary meeting to plan the Harper's Ferry insurrection. The 
plans were perfected at Chatham, Canada, some time after. With 
twenty-one followers, John Brown attempted to put them in 
operation in September following, at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. 
Seventeen of them, including their leader, were killed on the spot or 
hanged. This invasion by these few misguided men greatly inflamed 
the Southern heart, as indicating the attitude of the North towards 
them. John Brown's act was generally condemned in the North, and 
was not more insane than that of the South eighteen months later,, 
when it fired upon the flag the shot that freed four million slaves. 

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF i860. 

The summer of i860 disclosed the opening acts of secession in 
the Democratic National Convention at Charleston, South Carolina. 
The conspirators demanded advanced ground in behalf of slavery. 
Senator Pugh, of Ohio, evidently speaking for Stephen A. Douglas,, 
the great Democratic leader of the North, plainly told them that the 
party had stood by the South until it was in the minority in nearly 
every Northern State, and it would never take advanced ground for 
slavery in defiance of the will of the people. Such language the 
South had never before heard in a national convention. The eyes of 
the Southern delegates snapped as if lightning had struck the 
building. They withdrew and nominated a slaveholders* ticket, 
thereby securing the success of the man whose election they declared 
would be a sufficient cause for dissolving the Union. 

The slavery question was virtually the sole issue in this 
presidential campaign. 

(i). The slaveholders' platform (Breckenridge and Lane's) held 
that slavery existed in any territory whenever a slaveholder entered 
it with his slaves; tliat neither congress nor a territorial legislature 
had any power to prohibit its introduction or impair its existence 
therein ; and that slaveholders had a right to travel with their slaves 
in the free States, and with said slaves sojourn therein without 
molestation of any free State laws. 

(2). The Republican platform (Lincoln and Hamlin's) held that 
all national territory was free, and opposed any legislation giving 



THE slaveholders' REBELLION. 1/ 

slavery validity therein, as well as the admission of any more slave 
States; and, as a reserved right, a State might free all slaves found 
therein, except fugitive slaves. 

(3). The Northern platform of the Democratic party (Stephen A. 
Douglas') declared for non-intervention by congress with slavery in 
the territories, leaving the question to a vote of the people therein; 
that all rights of property are judicial, and pledging to defer to the 
decisions of the supreme court on the subject. 

(4). The Pro-slavery National Union platform (Bell and 
Everett's) had nothing to say on the subject. 

The contest resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln by 
nearly every Northern electoral vote, while the South divided its votes 
between Breckenridge and Bell. 

THE DOCTRINE OF SECESSION. 

Southern leaders had declared that the election of Lincoln would 
be a sufificient cause for seceding from the Union, and at once began 
to carry out their threats. The doctrine of secession had been taught 
for many years in the colleges, magazines and press of the South. In 
brief, this doctrine was that a man's first and highest allegiance was 
to his State ; that the States as sovereignties had ceded only certain 
rights to the federal government ; and whenever a State had a 
sufificient grievance, of which itself was the sole judge, it might resume 
to itself all the powers that it had before it entered the Union. This 
extraordinary claim rested upon the doctrine that the Union was only 
a confederation, or compact, or agreement — a sort of "free love" at 
pleasure between independent States, and not a Nation ; that the 
general reservation in the Constitution, to the States, of powers not 
granted to congress nor prohibited to them, made secession a reserved 
State right by implication. Thus by a perversion of language they 
set up their illogical doctrine as an escapement for treasonable 
conduct. 

The Constitution itself best refutes these secession assumptions. 
This instrument was adopted in each State by conventions of 
delegates chosen by the people, and though, when completed, it was 
not submitted directly to the people, yet the latter had a voice in its 
adoption when they elected the delegates of their choice. After 
being thus adopted, it expressly voiced its own authority. In no part 
does it declare that it is a league of States, or compact or 
confederacy. On the contrary, it plainly says: "We, the People of 
the United [States, etc., do ordain and establish this Constitution," 



l8 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

which it declares to be "the supreme law of the land," "anything in 
the constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding." 
It further declares as " supreme law," that " no State shall enter into 
any treaty, alliance or confederation,'' nor " enter into any agreement 
or compact with another State." These are a few of the fundamental 
principles of the American Constitution, given up to the general 
government by the States, not for any specific period and then to 
terminate by some State's action, hwV forever. There is not a single 
principle in the Constitution for its own suicidal dissolution, and the 
above quoted prohibitions to the States exclude every idea of 
secession as a reserved right, in any manner. Secession was simply 
treasonable rebellion against constituted authority, established by the 
States themselves. It was not even revolution which is right only 
when its cause is justifiable in the deep conscience of nations and has 
a reasonable hope of success, neither of which the South had. We 
shall not follow this treasonable doctrine into the mazy subtleties of 
John C. Calhounism, nor dwell upon the many useless efforts in 
Congress and peace conventions to conciliate the South. They were 
compromise breakers and without honor in keeping agreements. In 
fact their leaders would accept no compromise now — 'nothing less 
than disunion. 

SLAVE POWER BROKEN — SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY ORGANIZED. 

The main cause of the South's rebellious conduct now was, that 
slavery had ceased to rule. The federal government had existed 
seventy-two years, during which, slaveholders had held the presidency 
over forty-nine years. Of the twenty-eight judges of the supreme 
court, seventeen had been slaveholders. The pro tern, presidency of 
the Senate had been filled by slaveholders every year but three, 
the speakership of the House forty-five years, and so on. But 
henceforth, not another slaveholder would ever occupy the White 
House. No more wars for territory out of which to carve slave States. 
The slave power was broken in the Union, and having ceased to rule, 
would now destroy it. 

There were traitors in the Senate, in the House and in the 
Cabinet. President Buchanan being indebted to the South for his 
election, charged all the troubles to the North, declaring in his senility 
that no State had a right to secede, but there was no power to prevent 
it if it did. This was plainly telling the Southern States that he 
would interpose no hindrance to their seceding, and they improved 
the opportunity. Michigan's time-honored statesman — Lewis Cass — 



THE SLAVEHOLDERS REBELLION. 



19 



resigned from the Cabinet, which act was a fitting rebuke to 
Buchanan's course. Oh, for sixty days of Old Hickory to stamp out 
this'rebellion in its infancy ! 

While deprecating slavery as a heaven-defying practice, we do 
not anathematize all who^held slaves, and these often by inheritance, 
to whom the laws forbade manumission. There were good men 
among them as their system allowed. The edicts of heaven were 
against it, but what to do they knew not, no more than sober reason 
in the North could tell. Notwithstanding the secession leaders, there 
was a large Union sentiment in parts of the South, of which 
Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, the ablest statesman in the South 
in his time, was the exponent. He openly declared that the 
South had not sufificient cause for secession, and clearly foretold the 
evils that it would bring upon that section. But the "fire-eaters," as 
the radical disunionists were called, fired the Southern heart, and by 
the most deceptive arguments and murderous browbeating all but 
four of the slave States passed ordinances of secession and formed a 
Southern Confederacy, with Jefferson Davis for president and 
Alexander H. Stevens for vice-president. The latter was a disciple of 
Calhoun's teachings, and he followed his State out of the Union. 



THE WAR BEGUN — UPRISING OF THE PEOPLE. 

Ere the conspirators in Washington had gone forth to organize 
secession, the approaching storm became manifest by the seizure of 

unguarded forts in the 
seceding States. On 
the night of December 
26, i860, Major Ander- 
son transferred his 
command of four score 
men from Fort Moul- 
trie to Fort Sumter, 
the strongest in 
Charleston Harbor, 
to the indignation of 
all secessiondom. 

On March 4, 1861, 

Mr. Lincoln became 

President, and in his 

" In your hands, not in 

The sfovernment will not 




FORT SDMTKK- 



inaugural address thus assured the South 
mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. 



20 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

assail you ; you can have no conflict without being yourselves the 
aggressors." And such they became by firing upon the Nation's flag 
and Major Anderson's devoted band to prevent this half-starved 
garrison from receiving provisions. The first treasonable shot was 
fired before daybreak of April 12, 1861, and on the following day, 
when all provisions were gone but half a barrel of pork, the fort was 
surrendered to the thousands of traitors who assailed it. 

The patriotism of the North was powerfully aroused, and all 
loyal hearts throbbed at the thought that the secession traitors had 
dared to fire upon the flag and its defenders. There was a unity of 
determination that the dastardly act should be avenged, and the 
President's call for troops filled every loyal heart with patriotic fervor. 
The uprising of the people was a sublime spectacle, like that of the 
Crusader hosts who sought to rescue the Holy Land from infidel 
hands. The national flag was displayed from every housetop, and 
busy preparations were made for the coming struggle. 

THE NATION UNPREPARED. 

War had come and found the nation unprepared for it. For 
many months the South had been preparing for the conflict. Nearly 
all the war material had been shipped from Northern arsenals to the 
South. At the Dearborn Arsenal, eight miles west of Detroit, in the 
summer of i860, a few boxes of guns were auctioned off at one dollar 
apiece, and the balance sold for a small sum to some mysterious 
stranger, an agent of the embryo Southern Confederacy. Every war 
vessel except a few useless hulks, had been ordered as far away in 
foreign seas as wind could blow and water float them. 

FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 

The first great contest occurred at Bull Run, on Sunday, July 
21, 1861. The Union army was everywhere victorious until in the 
afternoon, when re-inforcements of the insurgents turned the tide of 
battle in their favor, and a panic routed our army back to Washington 
in great confusion. The South was exalted and thousands joined its 
standards of revolt. The North recovered from its humiliation, 
abandoned the delusion that the struggle would be brief, and made 
preparations for a desperate war. Gen. George B. McClellan was put 
in command to organize and lead the national forces. 

In the West, a battle was fought at Wilson's Creek, Missouri, in 
August, in which Gen. Lyon of the Union army was killed. In 



THE SLAVEHOLDERS REBELLION. 21 

October, the Union Gen. Baker lost his life at Ball's Bluff on the 
Potomac. In November, two rebel emissaries. Mason and Slidell, 
were forcibly taken from the British steamer Trent, and a war with 
England barely averted. The South had been the best prepared to 
fight. Most of the army and many of the navy ofificers were from 
that section and joined the Southern forces, with a few notable 
exceptions. And thus the year 1861 closed dismally for the Union 
cause. 

SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR — SUCCESS IN THE WEST. 

The year 1862 opened with a series of victories that cheered the 
hearts of Unionists. While "all quiet on the Potomac" was nightly 
for months, telegraphed over the land, good work was being done in 
the West. January 19 and 20 brought a brilliant victory at Mill 
Spring, Kentucky, which prepared the way for expelling the insurgent 
armies from that State and Tennessee. On February 6 followed the 
evacuation of Fort Henry on the Tennessee, and on February 8, 
another victory at Roanoke Island in the East. Yet these hardly 
awakened the North from its depression. 

February 14, 15 and 16 brought a victory that was the wonder of 
both continents, and introduced to fame the man who proved to be 
the general of the war — Ulysses S. Grant. The Fort Henry 
insurgents had escaped a dozen miles east, to Fort Donelson on the 
Cumberland river, where they were arrested by Grant's army. It was 
a keen, wintry, Sunday morning when, as preparations for a renewal 
of the battle were going forward, a white flag appeared. General 
Buckner suggested to General Grant an armistice for commissioners 
to arrange a capitulation. Then was sent back the famous 
"unconditional surrender" reply: " I propose to move immediately 
upon your works," was Grant's answer, and forthwith, large white 
sheets pinned to poles appeared on the fort, in token of surrender. 
This capitulation included 14,000 prisoners and a vast amount of 
military stores, involving the loss to the Confederates of Missouri, 
Kentucky and all Northern and Middle Tennessee, including 
Nashville. The moral effect of this victory was like that of Saratoga 
in the Revolution. It brought heart back to the North, produced 
a depression in the South and set Europe to doubting the success of 
the Confederate cause. 

Three weeks later General Curtis routed Van Dorn and Price at 
Pea Ridge, Arkansas. On the 6th and 7th of April was fought at 
Pittsburgh Landing on the Tennessee, a bloody battle in which the 



22 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



insurgents were put to route. On April 8th, Admiral Foote captured 
Island No. lo in the Mississippi, with 5,000 prisoners. New Orleans 
and Memphis fell into Union hands soon after, and so the successes in 
the West rejoiced the nation. 




DISASTER IN THE EAST. 

In April, 1862, General McClellan transferred the main portion of 
the Army of the Potomac to Fortress Monroe for the Peninsular 
Campaign. Investing Yorktown until its evacuation, the retreating 

enemy were overtaken 
at Williamsburg, and put 
to rout after a sharp 
contest. Pursuing to 
the Chickahominy, 
McClellan 's advance 
reached within seven 
miles of Richmond, the 
Confederate capital. 
"the PENINSULA," VIRGINIA Amicl tile malarial 

swamps of this stream he 
remained with his army several weeks. It was astride of the stream, 
which by a sudden rise divided his forces. The Confederates attacked 
the half that lay south of that river, at Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, 
but were repulsed. Meanwhile, the Union army became greatly 
reduced by malarial fevers from lying in the swamps, and the 
Confederates were strengthened by fresh conscript levies. 

On June 25, the insurgent General Jackson, better known as 
"Stonewall Jackson," by forced marches from the Shenandoah Valley, 
struck McClellan's right, at Mechanicsville, but was repulsed the next 
day. On June 27, the enemy again attacked his right at Gaines' Farm 
and drove it in, with terrible slaughter on both sides. 

McClellan now resolved to unite his army on the south side of 
the Chickahominy and move it to the James River for a new base of 
supplies. General Robert E. Lee, whose magnificent residence 
crowned Arlington Heights, in view of Washington, had succeeded to 
the full command of the Confederate forces about Richmond. Lee 
might have commanded the Union army and become president of the 
United States, had he not violated his oath and become a traitor to 
the country which had educated and honored him. But he went 
with his State when it seceded. He hastened to intercept McClellan's 
left flank movement, and struck the Union army at Savage Station 



THE SLAVEHOLDERS REBELLION. 



23 



and White Oak Swamp. He pursued it to Malvern Hill, where was 
fought, on July i, 1862, one of the bloodiest battles of the war. 
Lee massed his forces to carry the position by storm. All the Union 
cannon were drawn up along the crest of the hill, and again and again 
did the enemy charge up out of the deep pine forest, only to be cut 
in pieces by the Union artillery from Malvern Hill and the Union gun 
boats lying in the James. 

Although victorious, the withdrawal of the Union army 
continued the next day to Harrison's Landing on the James. 
McClellan's army had become greatly reduced by battle, fevers and a 
large number on furlough. He called for reinforcements, but was told 
that there were none available. He wanted McDowell's corps at 
Fredericksburg to be sent to him, but the President did not deem it 
prudent thus to uncover the defenses of Washington and allow a sally 
by the enemy to result in the capture of the National Capital, as such 
an event might result in the end in a foreign recognition of the 
Confederacy. The military events that followed a few weeks after 
proved the wisdom of this decision. About this time President 
Lincoln made a call upon the country for three hundred thousand 
new volunteers. And here we must leave this army to note the 
raising of this vast additional levy which included the regiment whose 
war history this volume is designed to contain. 




CHAPTER 11. 



Raising the Regiment. 



CALL FOR 300,000 MORE MEN. 

SUCCESSES of the Union arms in the West in the early 
months of 1862, and the high expectations of the Army of 
the Potomac, led to a cessation of recruiting in the North. 
While there was a reduction in the Northern armies from 
battle and disease, the Southern armies had been greatly increased by 
conscripts. The refusal of troops which the early outburst of 
patriotism offered was a mistake by our government. 

On June 28, 1862, the loyal governors requested Mr. Lincoln 
"to call upon the States for sufBcient men to speedily crush the 
rebellion," and he made a call for 300,000 volunteers. In Detroit 
there was no response until July 1 1, when the Advertiser and Tribune 
said: "Do the people realize that treason threatens to destroy our 
government? Hesitation now will confirm the invincibility of the 
rebellion and invite intervention." On July 12 Governor Blair's 
proclamation said: "It is the call of your country to defend its 
existence and the integrity of its territory. It comes by the blood of 
fellow citizens, dead, and wounded in battle. The thinned ranks of 
our gallant regiments, who have made themselves and the State 
illustrious, appeal to you to restore their wasted numbers." He 
called for six new regiments, one from each congressional district, and 
recruits to fill up old ones. 

WAR MEETING TO PROMOTE ENLISTMENTS. 

To facilitate enlistments, the Mayor called a war meeting on the 
Campus Martins for Tuesday evening, July 15. The Free Press thus 
commended the call: 

To Arms ! The Union is now in its greatest peril. Unless the people rush to 
the flag, the days of American glory will be gone forever. Let the meeting be marked 
by harmony, enthusiasm, patriotism. Let every man forget party and behold only 
his imperiled country. The federal union must be preserved. The folds of the flag 
must wave forever over all the territory the fathers left us or which we have acquired 
by the blood and treasure of the nation. 

(24) 



RAISING THE REGIMENT. 



25 



At the appointed hour the space was filled with people for a long 
distance from the stand which had been erected on the site of the 
Soldiers' Monument. The following were the officers of the meeting: 




CAMPUS MARTItrS, DETROIT, MICH.— SCENE OF WAR MEETINGS, 1862.— DETROIT RIVER 
AND CANADIAN SHORE SEEN IN THE DISTANCE. 

President, Mayor William C. Duncan ; vice-presidents, Hon. Lewis 
€a.ss, Captain Eber B. Ward, Judge B. F. H. Witherell, Hon. C. C. 
Trowbridge, Hon. John Owen and Hon. Duncan Stewart; secretaries, 
E. N. Wilcox and William A. Moore. The Mayor briefly addressed 
the meeting and then introduced the Hon. William A. Howard, who 
made a stirring address. He was followed by Theodore Romeyn. 
When T. M. McEntee arose to speak the noise of rowdies prevented 
him. Recorder Henry A. Morrow then spoke as follows: 

Fellow Citizens — We are met here now in the second crisis of our country. 
{Confusion among the crowd.] There is a mistaken feeling that this meeting is 
preliminary to a draft. Enough can be procured without such measures. Every one 
who can, should go, and the men who stay at home must support the families of those 
who go. This meeting is for inducing men to volunteer, and I for one, am ready to 
go. [Cheers.] Those of us who have no families should go. I do not propose that 
men of families shall perform duties that we young men should perform. [Cheers.] 
Let each man ask himself: 'Will I go?' [A voice — 'Will you go?'] I have 
already said I would. The government has done as much for me as for you and I am 
ready to assist in upholding it. [Cheers and confusion.] 

RIOTOUS DEMONSTRATIONS. 

The meeting ended in confusion. A few dozen secession 
sympathizing rowdies were distributed about the crowd and their 
howls prevented the speakers from being heard. Windsor, across the 

(3) 



26 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Detroit river in Canada, had become the receptacle of a lot of 
Southerners who had re-inforced the mob. The instigators had 
reported that the meeting was to prepare for a draft. When Wm. 
A. Howard moved a committee to "draft" resolutions, an old 
eighth-warder exclaimed: " Did you hear that boys? Didn't I tell 
ye they are going to draft?" And the riotous howls began. 

The scoundrels seemed to have a spite against Capt. Eber B. 
Ward and Hon. Duncan Stewart, two noted Detroit business men 
and Unionists. They rushed for these gentlemen, and only by the 
utmost exertions of Sheriff Mark Flanigan did they find refuge in the 
Russell House. The mob next broke down the speakers' stand, tore 
the Union bunting into strings, and insulted the of^cers and speakers 
of the meeting. The venerable Lewis Cass barely escaped their 
vengeance as they rushed upon his carriage. Next the mob sought 
the Russell House entrance with the avowed intention of hanging 
Messrs. Ward and Stewart, but were met by Sheriff Flanigan and a 
deputy, with drawn revolvers, who held the mob at bay for an 
hour and until darkness ended the riot. 

The Advertiser and Tribune thus mentioned the affair: 

The meeting was one of the most melancholy spectacles it was ever 
our lot to witness. At an early hour, a rowdy element of formidable dimensions was 
present, composed of bigoted, ignorant persons who had evidently been tampered 
with through political prejudice. 

The Detroit Free Press thus spoke of the riot : 

We regret the disturbance at the meeting. So far as we can ascertain, the 
origin of the difficulty was a rumor that the government intended to draft. It was so- 
utterly without foundation that we cannot resist the conviction that their motives 
were infamous. * * Yet, if the exigencies of the war require a draft, we do 
not see why it should be resisted. 

THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN PROJECTED. 

This disgraceful event occurred near the spot where General Hull 
humiliatingly surrendered the city to the British fifty years before,, 
when General Lewis Cass broke his sword in disgust. It was a dark 
week for the City of the Straits. Other cities of the North were 
holding successful war meetings. Cititizens gathered in knots to 
discuss the matter. Deep humiliation and indignation prevailed. To^ 
wipe out the disgrace it was resolved at a meeting of patriotic 
citizens at the Michigan Exchange the next evening to raise an extra 
regiment in Detroit and Wayne County, in addition to their quota. 




CAPTAIN EBER B. WARD. 




HON. DUNCAN STEWART. 



RAISINC. THE REGIMENT. 29 

For this purpose Adjutant-General John Robertson and Henry Barns 
of the Advertiser and Tribune went to Jackson to confer with 
Governor Blair. 

MRS. BLAIR's timely INFLUENCE. 

The Governor had met with some difficulty in getting troops 
accepted by the War Department. He had sent sixteen infantry 
regiments, and the seventeenth was being recruited with difficulty. 
Six new ones were called for, which would make twenty-three ; and 
to attempt the twenty-fourth might retard the raising of the others. 
His consent was withheld until morning, Avhen he refused. Mrs. 
Blair had been a listener to the conversations for the extra 
regiment, and now^ told her husband that the morning papers brought 
bad news from the seat of war; that the government needed all the 
men it could get, and that, in her opinion, the request of the two 
gentlemen from Detroit should be granted, and the Governor finally 
consented. Little did this patriotic lady think that her influence on 
this occasion would be productive of a regiment which, within one 
year, would rank among the most distinguished in the army, by its 
suffering the greatest loss of over 400 regiments in the greatest and 
bloodiest battle of the war. 

SECOND WAR MEETING ON THE CAMPUS MARTIUS. 

On Saturday, July 19, the indignation of the citizens found vent 
in over 3,000 signatures to the following call: 

Men of Detroit ! The fair fame of your city is at stake. Come forth in your 
might and prove your patriotism to meet the crisis. Your friends from many a 
stricken field call you to the rescue. Shall a few pestilent sympathizers with treason 
neutralize your patriotic effort? Let an expression go forth which shall rebuke the 
traitors and vindicate the patriotism of the city. All who favor an energetic 
prosecution of the war are requested to meet on the Campus Martius on Tuesday 
afternoon at 3 o'clock, July 22, 1S62. 

Long before that hour the people began to assemble in numbers 
to cause every patriot to rejoice. Processions from foundries, machine 
shops, and shipyards filed about the speakers' stand, which was 
located on the present City Hall side of the Campus. Far up every 
street was a mass of determined and enthusiastic patriotism — some 
with molding clubs for any secesh rowdies who should open their 
blatant mouths. The meeting was called to order by the Hon. E. C. 
Walker, and the following officers chosen: President, Mayor Duncan; 
vice-presidents, Hon. Lewis Cass, Ross Wilkins, Judge Witherell, 



30 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Bishop McCroskey, Right Reverend Lefevre, Shubael Conant, Colonel 
Ruehle, aldermen Joseph Godfrey, James Shearer and J. W. Purcell, 
Adam Elder, Gideon Campbell, Edward Kanter, Alexander Chapoton 
and Frederick Buhl ; secretaries, Stanley G. Wight and C. Wood 
Davis. After the adoption of suitable resolutions, Recorder Morrow 
was loudly called for, and spoke as follows: 

SPEECH OF COLONEL HENRY A. MORROW. 

Felloiv Citizens — We are hereto rekindle our devotion to our beloved country 
which is in peril. This is the time of its destiny ; this is the crisis of its fate. From 
this terrible struggle it will come forth purified and respected, or it will sink into 
obscurity and disgrace, known on the historian's page as the weakest of human 
inventions. Our fathers thought they were erecting a temple of liberty which should 
last for ages, where oppression should be unknown and freedom find an asylum. 
LTnless this causeless rebellion is crushed, the hopes of mankind in republican liberty 
are blasted. This generation of loyal citizens has assigned to it the noblest work 
ever intrusted to a nation — that of maintaining in its integrity, the government of 
the United States. A generous and intelligent people will not decline the labor. 

Let us understand the issue. It is government or no government, national life 
and honor, or national death and disgrace. It is more — it is individual disgrace. If 
our Southern brethren had been menaced even, in their constitutional right to liberty 
or property, I should not be here to-day. By birth, by education, by sympathy and 
interest, I am deeply attached to the Southern people, and if the government of the 
United States had turned aside from its constitutional prerogatives of defending and 
protecting the States, and become their oppressor and destroyer, I know my duty; and 
as certain as I am here to-day, I should not be here, but would be found in the ranks 
of the Southern army ! 

But this was not so. The government never oppressed the South. The 
national statute book did not contain a law which deprived the South of any 
constitutional right. Out of sixteen Presidents the South has furnished eight, and 
while no Northern President was ever re-elected, five out of the eight from the South 
were re-elected. The country has been forty-nine years under Southern Presidents 
and only twenty-five years under Northern. It is notorious that the Southern people 
have enjoyed a very large proportion of the public offices. Is it not a curious fact 
that a people who have controlled the nation and shaped its foreign and domestic 
policy for two-thirds of the time, and who have never suffered a single wrong should 
raise their hands to strike down its flag? Could they anticipate any wrong when 
they commanded the two houses of Congress and could control the policy of the 
government? Had Lincoln been disposed to do them injustice, he was entirely at 
the mercy of Congress. It was not oppression, nor the fear of it, that drove the 
South into rebellion, but an unholy lust for power. 

The war was forced upon us. The South began the conflict. The government 
struck no blow. It simply demanded the right to perform an act of humanity which 
the Southern people should have performed themselves. It asked that bread might 
be sent to a starving garrison. Major Anderson was nearly out of supplies, and in 
response to an arrogant demand for surrender, he returned the thrilling reply, "If you 
will wait till to-morrow noon I shall be out of provisions, and hunger will compel me 
to surrender 1" Did they wait? No, but like savages opened their guns upon Fort 



KAISINC; THE RE(;iMENT. 3 1 

Sumter. Their Secretary of War and Jefferson Davis made speeches at the 
Confederate Capital that night. The former declared that " They had that day begun 
a war, the issue of which no man could foretell " — a confession from one in authority 
that THEY, and not we, were the aggressors. Now, can any man, in a situation to 
serve his country, hesitate as to what is his duty in this hour of danger and disaster? 
Will you see your country dishonored before the world and raise no hand }.o save it ? 

Patriotism is natural to the human heart. Love of country is one of the noblest 
feelings in the breast of man. It belonged to the Greek and Roman in ancient times, 
and it burns like a star in the heart of every lover of his country. It moved 
Washington amid the snows of Valley Forge, and it inspires the hearts of twenty 
millions of people in the lojal States. It is an instinct in the breast of every honest 
man. The noblest heroes in history, whose names are synonyms of courage and 
fidelity, have devoted their lives to their country. Hampden, and Sydney, and 
Russell, were patriots, and history has embalmed their names in its choicest amber. 
Emmet was a patriot and martyr, and his very name will ever arouse the Irish nation. 
Washington, first and best of men, was a patriot, and the world claims him for its 
own. Major Anderson is a patriot, and the children of men through generations 
shall read, with glowing hearts, his heroic defense of Sumter. 

My young friends, I appeal to you by all that is sacred, to come forward and 
sustain your government. Are you a patriot? Now is the time to show it. Do you 
seek comfort and security for yourselves and families ? Come then, and help subdue 
this insurrection. Have you a pride in the greatness and respectability of your 
government? They are gone forever unless this rebellion is subdued. We shall sink 
into a fifth-rate power and be as contemptible as Mexico or Morocco. Do you wish 
for adventure and distinction? Here is the field in the best fed, best clothed, and 
most intelligent army that ever went forth to battle. 

One word for myself. I am going to the field. I invite you to go with me. I 
will look after you in health and in sickness. My influence will be exerted to procure 
for you the comforts of life, and lead you where you will see the enemy. Your fare 
shall be my fare, your quarters my quarters. We shall together share the triumph, or 
together mingle our dust upon the common field. We are needed on the James 
River. Our friends and brothers are there. Let us not linger behind. In this time 
of national peril, the government turns to you. Let it not appeal in vain. [Prolonged 
applause.] 

LAST PUBLIC SPEECH OF HON. LEWIS CASS, 

Hon. Lewis Cass was loudly called for. He was too feeble to 
make more than a brief speech, but the immense crowd would brook 
no refusal from this noted descendant of a former generation. He 
had made Detroit his home for over half a century and had held 
many high positions of national trust and honor. It was his last 
speech in public life, and his few remarks were influential throughout 
the Union. The venerable statesman spoke as follows: 

Felloxv Citizens — Standing here- and witnessing the patriotic enthusiasm of the 
people, my heart is too full for utterance. There is no man who feels more anxious 
that the Constitution shall be preserved as it was given to us by our fathers. We of 
this generation have a noble duty to perform for mankind. We are to preserve this 
fair land a heritage to our children and to freedom forever. Our fathers endured 



32 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 




HON. LEWIS CASS. 



much in their struggle for independence, and shall we prove degenerate sons of those 
noble sires? It cannot be. The people of the North will rescue the government. 
[Cheers.] 

SPEECH OF SHERIFF MARK FLANIGAN. 

Fellow Citizens — At a time like this it behooves every man to put forth his 
utmost energies in defense of the government. Every man who is loyal to his once 
happy land and abhors rebellion, should rise to a full sense of his duty in this hour 
of its adversity. Judge Morrow and myself are going to raise a regiment. I hope 
every man will respond to his country's call. [Cheers.] 

SPEECH OF HON. DUNCAN STEWART. 

Fellow Citizens — I have not the language to deal a sufficiently withering rebuke 
to those who instigated the violence at the former meeting. This regiment must be 
raised. Though I cannot go myself, I have money and it shall be poured out freely 
in this cause. I will give five dollars to every man who shall enlist in the first 
company mustered into this regiment. I will give four dollars a month during the 
war to twenty-five families where there are four children, and two dollars a 
month to twenty families where there are three children, the fathers of whom 
shall enlist in this regiment. [Cheers.] The aldermen, as supervisors, have done 
much to discourage enlistments by their disreputable manner in looking after the 
wants of volunteers' families, who had been compelled to beg about our streets for 
bread, and when they applied for provisions, the answer was, 'Oh ! your husband was 
a drunken fellow ! ' Gentlemen aldermen, you have nothing to do with what 
difference it makes if the husband was a shiftless vagabond. I have more respect 
for a drunken patriot than an unpatriotic alderman. [Cheers.] 

SPEECH OF HON. JAMES F. JOY. 

Fellow Citizens — lam proud that I am a citizen of Detroit. That our city is 
loyal to the core, this meeting proves. The Constitution is in peril. It is a war, not 
for tariff or free trade, or sailors' rights. Before me are men of every nation. It 



RAISING THE REGIMENT. 33 

depends on us whether this country shall fall and be a shame in the eyes of the world. 
If not, we must fight. There was a time when the Roman Republic was invaded by 
Hannibal. Many of the provinces revolted and joined him. The Roman armies 
were almost totally destroyed. They raised another army, and yet another, and won. 
Let us emulate their example. [A voice — 'Will you go?'] They will not have me, 
but I will furnish twenty substitutes. [Cheers.] What I have is at the service of 
my country, if it takes every dollar. [Applause.] 

Hon. C.'I. Walker and others made brief, patriotic speeches, and 
great enthusiasm was manifested throughout the meeting. It was a 
great success, and if any secession scoundrels were present they wisely, 
for themselves, concealed the fact. The meeting was not only 
productive of putting a full regiment into the field in a brief period, 
but it stimulated enlistments throughout the State, as its details 
made known what efforts were made here on the Nation's border in 
response to the President's call for troops. 



THE WAR MEETING. 

Heretofore, the war meeting had been little known. Regiments 
in the field had been raised without excitement. Soldiers had 
enlisted at some recruiting office, or with some officer who appeared 
in town or village and quietly solicted recruits. Those who had entered 
the service, up to this period, seemed to have been but the surplus 
population, and afTairs moved on in the North much as though no war 
existed. But this urgent call of the President for so large a number 
of men forthwith changed the whole order of recruiting. It was like 
a second Holy Land crusade, and every community was stirred to its 
depths. The great struggle for national life had apparently but just 
begun. Heroic bugle calls and war drum-beats more than ever 
sounded the alarm notes for a general uprising of the Nation's 
reserves. 

And so the war meeting became a new feature and was a solemn 
affair. It brought deep reflection to every mind. It disarranged 
completely the future plans of many. It was usually held in some 
hall, church or schoolhouse; frequently in open air. Appeals of 
orators called for volunteers — not to vote for some political 
candidate or consider the questions of a life beyond the grave, but to 
hazard their lives for their country's salvation. Should we submit to 
national disintegration, or fight? Should we allow traitors to insult 
our flag and destroy the country upon the election of a President in 
the usual constitutional way, or fight? Must cheeks of Americans, at 



34 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

home and abroad, tinge with shame and reproach at the conduct of 
traitors, or shall we fight? 

Solemn reflections burdened every countenance, emphasized by 
the fact that the early romance of the war had passed away. Battle 
lists of killed and wounded appeared in almost every paper. Coffined 
remains of soldier-dead were borne home, — evidence of the stern 
reality of a fearful war. To enlist now might mean a bloody shroud, 
an ebbing aAvay of life's current in old fields and ravines in the far 
South, as well as pillows of sorrow at home. It meant silvered heads 
bowed in their last grief, and the bride of a month wearing the 
widow's weeds. Wonder not, then at the wife's pale cheek as she 
notes the flushed face of her husband. She plainly reads his resolve 
ere he signs the enlistment roll. Yonder mother, with quivering lip, 
observes her youthful boy's attention to the recital of his Nation's 
wrongs, and pales as he acts upon the impulse to fight his country's 
battles, while the aged father buries his grief in thoughtful silence. 

"The time has come when brothers must fight, 
And sisters must pray at home." 

WAR MEETINGS IN WAYNE COUNTY. 

And 'so, for a brief period after the great war meeting on the 
Campus Martins, the war excitement in Wayne county exceeded 
anything in the annals of Michigan. Fife and drum were heard on 
every street, and war meetings were of daily and nightly occurrence, 
for recruiting the Twenty-fourth Michigan. Captain Cullen enlisted 
nearly his entire company the first Sunday. Factories, shipyards and 
foundries were closed, threshing machines stopped, grain left uncut in 
the field. Recruits went from farm to farm, gathering additions in 
each neighborhood. One Canton farmer whose boys had enlisted, 
said: "Why, boys, are you going to leave me in the midst of my 
threshing?" One of them replied: "But, father, Uncle Sam has a 
bigger job of threshing to do." Contractors would leave workmen 
upon a building in the morning, but upon returning to note the 
progress of their labor, would hear the sound of neither hammer nor 
saw. A neighbor would inform him that his men might be found 
enlisted over yonder, in Colonel Morrow's regiment, as they had all 
gone there with a recruiting officer. 

Colonel Morrow announced war meetings in various parts of 
Detroit and Wayne county, which were addressed by himself and 
some of the following speakers: Mark Flanigan, Lieutenant-Governor 



RAISING THE REGIMENT. 35 

Backus, David E. Harbaugh, E. N. Wilcox, C. I. Walker, Colonel 
Sylvester Larned, Henry C. Knight, William Jennison, Henry M. 
Cheever, Rev. Manasseh Hickey, Rev. Seth Reed, J. Logan Chipman, 
Alfred Russell, and others. 

At Perkins' Hotel, on Grand River avenue, Saturday evening, 
July 26, was an immense gathering. The patriotic appeals reached 
the hearts and pockets of the multitude. The recruiting was lively 
for Captain Warren G. Vinton's company. One could not go because 
of a wife and five children, but he would contribute one-tenth of his 
earnings for the families of those who did go. Another had no 
money, but, stretching forth his brawny arm, exclaimed, " I have 
muscle, and my country shall have that." An enthusiastic meeting 
was held at Clark's Dry Dock (Springwells) the same evening. 

On Monday evening, July 28, over 5,000 gathered in front of the 
Biddle House to hear Senator Jacob M. Howard, Hon. Rowland E. 
Trowbridge, Governor Austin Blair, Captain E. B. Wight, and others. 
Judge James V. Campbell presided. Two brass pieces were brought 
up from the Fort and a salute of thirty-four guns was fired. 

On Wednesday evening, July 30, Degendre's Hall, in the old 
seventh ward, was filled, and the enthusiasm brought several recruits. 

On Thursday, July 31, two spirited demonstrations were held in 
the Congregational church at Wayne. In the afternoon. Colonel 
Morrow earnestly pleaded with the wives and mothers to give up 
their husbands and sons for their country. Upon a vote, many 
women rose up who were willing to make the sacrifice. One mother 
of five boys arose in opposition, declaring she would disown her sons 
if they should go. Upon hearing that two of them had enlisted, she 
relented, and called God's blessing upon them. It was only a 
mother's excusable love. Dr. Alexander Collar presided at the 
evening meeting. The enthusiasm was strong and good results 
followed. A large number of ladies were present, who manifested 
their approval with smiles and tears. 

On Friday, August i, a goodly number enlisted in Captain W. W. 
Wight's company, at a meeting at Livonia Center. The same 
evening a most excitable gathering was held on the corner of 
Beaubien and Elizabeth streets. It was dark, and a candle afforded 
light for signing the enlistment roll. Captain William J. Speed was 
the chief speaker. As the announcements of the names of recruits 
were made, the young men tossed their hats in the air and the old 
men shouted for joy. 



36 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



On Saturday, August 2, at the Redford Center meeting, the 
people were inspired by the deepest sentiments of patriotic devotion, 
and over forty enHsted. The Methodist churcli of the place had been 
foreclosed on a mortgage, and sold back to the congregation for their 




TOWNSHIP MAP OF WAYNE COUNTY, IN WHICH THE " TWENTY- FOURTH MICHIGAN" WAS RECRUITED 

IN AUGUST, 1862. 



individual notes. The holder of these notes was at this war meeting 
a few weeks after, and agreed to return to each man his note, who 
would enlist. Nearly every note was cancelled on the spot. This 
same evening a meeting was held at Grosse Pointe, and on Monday 
night, August 4, there was a fine rally at the corner of Seventh street 
and Michigan avenue. 

The Plymouth meeting, on Tuesday, August 5, will never be 
forgotten while any one who was present survives. The triangular 
grove in the village witnessed one of the largest outpourings ever held 



RAISING THE REGIMENT. 37 

in the county. The excitement was intense, and many affecting scenes 
occurred to thrill the heart as the enlistments were announced- 
Nearly an entire company enlisted inside of two hours amid the 
wildest enthusiasm. It was truly an en masse meeting, and an honor 
to that loyal old township. 

At the Pike's Peak meeting, on Wednesday, August 6, 
thirty-three volunteered, one man donating a cow to the relief fund. 
On the same day, very successful meetings were held in Greenfield, 
and at Euler's Hall in Detroit. 

The Dearborn meeting, on Thursday, August 7, was a general 
turnout, and thirty-one volunteered. Dr. Sweeney canceled all 
accounts against any volunteer, and gave his services free to the 
families of those enlisting. 

At Belleville, Friday, August 8, a large open air meeting was 
held. Hon. C. I. Walker made the chief address, and fifteen enlisted. 

At Flat Rock, on Saturday, August 9, the loyal citizens of 
Brownstown, Huron and Sumpter assembled in great numbers, many 
ladies being present and several bands of music. The ladies 
contributed liberally to the relief fund. Alexander Kittle could not 
go, but gave two cows. Lieutenant Wallace enrolled forty-seven 
recruits, and was tendered, through Dr. John L. Near, a sword and 
belt for his past services in the army. 

On the same evening, at Trenton, a war meeting was held, 
women, children, and even Canadians from over the river contributing 
to the relief fund. On Monday, August ii, the final meeting for 
filling up the regiment was held at Wyandotte, at which Captain Eber 
B. Ward was the leading spirit. 

And thus the recruitment of the regiment proceeded. Colonel 
Morrow received authority to raise the regiment on Saturday, 
July 19, and recruiting began that day, but not till a week later, 
July 26, was it arranged who should try to raise companies and enlist 
recruits for commissions. In ten days thereafter, exclusive of 
Sundays, enough had enlisted for the regiment's organization. 
Within two weeks from the arrangement of July 26, the maximum 
limit was reached and the regiment mustered. Men were even turned 
away to other regiments. Captain Edwards recruited the last 
company within two days. 

AT CAMT RARNS. 

The Detroit Riding Park, or old State Fair Ground, was 
designated as the place of rendezvous and called " Camp Barns," 



38 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

after Henry Barns, editor of the Advertiser and Tribune. The field 
extended from Woodward to Cass avenue, and from Alexandrine 
avenue on the south to a point a few rods north of Canfield avenue. 
Here, on July 29, Captain Cullen's company went into camp, followed 
the next day by the companies of Captains Vinton and Ingersoll. 
By August 6, those of Captains E. B. Wight, Owen and Speed had 
joined the camp, which now assumed a martial aspect. The other 
companies came in directly after and all were lettered as follows : 

Company A — Captain E. B. Wight. Company F — Captain Edwards. 
B — Ingersoll. G — Owen. 

C — Crosby. H — Vinton. 

D — Speed. I — Gordon. 

E— Cullen. K— W.W.Wight. 

On Wednesday afternoon, August 13, Col. J. R. Smith, U. S. A., 
mustered Companies A, B, D, E and G into the United States 
service, and on Friday, August K, he mustered in Companies C, F, 
H, I and K. 

The sudden manner in which those enlisting had to give up their 
wage-earning occupations, would have resulted in hardship to their 
families, had not the city and citizens of Detroit raised a relief fund 
to assist the families of volunteers until the paymaster came up. 
And thus, while not a man of the Twenty-fourth Michigan received 
a cent of State or County bounty, through the liberality of generous 
friends, a relief fund was raised for those enlisting in Detroit. This 
course was pursued in four or five townships, but those enlisting in 
the other townships received no local aid whatever. 

On August 23, the allotment commission visited camp and 
arranged for the assignment of portions of the soldiers' monthly pay 
for the benefit of their families. The men were very liberal, giving 
nearly all their pay to those at home dependent upon them. 

The few days between the mustering and day of departure were 
occupied with busy preparations for the field. Clothing and arms 
were distributed and the voice of the drillmaster was heard from 
daylight till dark. Relatives and friends crowded the camp daily, to 
complete final home arrangements with those who so suddenly were 
leaving their firesides for the war. 

PRESENTATIONS. 

Presentations were numerous. On August 18, J. Logan Chipman, 
on behalf of some friends, presented a sword to Captain Cullen, who 
replied: 



RAISING THE REGIMENT. 39 

Friends — There are emotions which no man can express. They are felt and 
buried in the grave, unknown to those who e.xcite them. Such are mine at this 
moment. 

On August 22, Adjutant Barn.s was presented with a sword by 
his brother, Henry Barns, who said : 

Sir — For long months you have been a prisoner in rebel dungeons. May this 
sword witness that your own and your country's wrongs are avenged. 

To which Adjutant Barns replied: 

I shall observe your admonitions with all the will which my own and my 
country's wrongs prompt." 

On the same day, H. N. Walker, for the Free Press, in the 
presence of Company E, gave Lieutenant O'Donnell a sword, who 
replied : 

Sir — To be the recipient of this blade from a body with whom I have labored 
for years, is a happy honor. In the hands of an O'Donnell it will never cause a blush 
to mount the cheeks of those kind friends. 

On that evening, the friends of Captain E. B. Wight presented 
him with a sword, who accepted, saying : 

Friends and Neighbors — Going forth with hundreds of others in Detroit's 
favorite regiment, may it never be said that I disgraced my birthplace, and may the 
record show that I have proved faithful to this trust. God bless you all. 

On August 23, Captain Vinton was presented with a sword by 
H. C. Knight, Esq., who said: 

Sir — Your neighbors present you with this weapon. You understand the . 
claims of our beloved country upon her citizens, for you have dedicated to her your 
life. We need not urge you to be a true soldier, for no man but a hero is expected to 
enlist in a Michigan regiment. May God bless you, and when this sword flashes in 
the face of foes, remember kindly your friends who have not the privilege of serving 
by your side. ■; 

Captain Vinton responded with feeling and in fitting terms. 
On August 25, Captain Edwards' Company presented him with a 
sword through Colonel Morrow, which he accepted, saying: 

Colonel Morrow and Men — I receive this sword with the sacred resolution so to 
use it, that neither you nor I shall ever regret your kindness. I am devoted to the 
cause of my country and the blade I now draw shall not be sheathed till the stars and 
stripes shall wave over every foot of American soil. 



40 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Other sword presentations were made ^ to Lieutenant Birrell, by 
his friends; to Captain Speed, by the Detroit Bar; to Lieutenant- 
Colonel Flanigan, a sword by the deputy sheriffs of Wayne County, 
and a horse by other friends ; to Doctor Collar, a sword by citizens 
of Wayne ; to Lieutenant Farland, a sword by Company D ; to 
Lieutenant Rexford, a sword from the Detroit Bar; to Lieutenant 
Dillon, a sword from the Molders' Association ; to Lieutenant 
Yemans, a sword from friends of the First M. E. Church of Detroit. 
Captains Ingersoll and Owen, and Lieutenants Sprague, Hutchinson, 
Burchell and other ofificers were remembered in similar manner. 

On August 25, the friends of Colonel Morrow presented him with 
a three hundred dollar horse purchased from Samuel Lyndon of 
Canton, through William Jennison, who said : 

Colonel — It seems but yesterday that you pledged the people to organize a 
regiment. That pledge stands redeemed, and one thousand brave men await your 
command to march to the front. With grateful pride at your success, your neighbors 
ask you to accept this living token — in peace the emblem of labor. Amid the storm 
of battle, may it bear you triumphantly against your country's foes. 

Colonel Morrow replied as follows: 

The worth of this present is a thousand times enhanced by the fact that it is a 
gift from the citizens of Detroit, among whom I have passed all the days of my 
manhood. This camp, the roll of yonder drums, and these brave men, all seem like a 
dream. But yesterday, I was in the quiet pursuit of my profession. I am here 
because my country needs my services. I came to Detroit ten years ago, an unknown 
boy. Its people adopted me, and I have had honors beyond my deserts. If, by 
leading this regiment to the field, I can repay the debt of gratitude I owe them, I 
welcome the opportunity. I shall take good care that the high character of my State 
sustains no injury, and my battle cry shall be "Detroit, and Victory !" 

FLAG PRESENTATION. 

On August 26, the regiment assembled on the Campus Martius, 
at 5 o'clock P. M. to receive a beautiful flag donated to it by Messrs. 
F. Buhl & Co. It was presented by David E. Harbaugh, who said: 

Colonel Morrow — Your regiment has been sooner raised than any other that has 
left the State. Messrs. F. Buhl & Co. request me to present, through you, to the 
regiment this beautiful banner. It is the gift of generous, loyal men to patriotic 
soldiers. It symbolizes our Union, its power, grandeur and glory. In the smoke and 
din of battle, may its beautiful folds ever be seen till victory shall bring peace to our 
distracted country. 

Colonel Morrow, taking the flag, said : 

This is the flag of the United States, and it shall never be any other. I have a 
check from a citizen of Detroit for the color-bearer, Abel G. Peck, of Nankin, and a 
further assurance of one hundred dollars in the event of the flag not being lost in 
battle, — as it never will be. [Cheers.] 



RAISING THE REGIMENT. 



41 



Judge J. V. Campbell then spoke as follows: 

Colonel Morro'cv — The people of this old county feel a deep interest in those 
under your command, who belong to their own households. It is my pleasant duty to 
offer you this sword from those who will renew their proof of confidence when you 
lead them in battle. Let it gleam at the head of your columns until there is no longer 
an enemy to meet them. 

To which Colonel Morrow replied : 

I thank you for this handsome gift. It shall never be used except in defense of 
my country. If I die it will be with my face to the foe. Once more, and it may be 
the last time, I bid you adieu. 

It was truly an affecting scene, and as Colonel Morrow martially 
mounted his horse and, in loud voice, gave the commands that moved 
his regiment away to Camp Barns, there was many a "God bless you" 
from those who witnessed the interesting event. 

MATERIAL OF OFFICERS AND MEN. 

With very few exceptions, the Twenty-fourth Michigan had 
competent and brave oflficers. Colonel Henry A. Morrow, than 
whom braver man never drew a sword, was born at Warrenton, 
Virginia, in 1829, and was educated at Rittenhouse Academy, 
Washington, D. C. In youth he became a page in the United States 
Senate and was the favorite of Senator Lewis Cass. When but 
seventeen years old, he became a volunteer in the Maryland and 
District of Columbia regiment, and for one year was in the Mexican 
War, participating in the battle of Monterey and the campaign 
against Tampico. In 1853, upon the advice of Senator Cass, he 
resolved to make Detroit his home. Here he studied law and, in 
1854, was admitted to the bar after examination before the supreme 
court. For two terms he was elected city recorder, and in 1857 was 
elected the first judge of the recorder's court, which position he held 
when he raised the Twenty-fourth Michigan. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Flanigan was, physically, the best 
developed man in the regiment, being six feet four inches tall, and 
brave as a cavalier. In i860, he became sheriff of Wayne county, 
which lucrative position he left at his country's call. 

The field roster was not completed when the regiment left 
Detroit. Colonel Morrow resolved to leave the Majority vacant until 
it reached the front and there make a selection from some of the old 
regiments for that position, whose military experience would be 
valuable to the Twenty-fourth Michigan. Upon its arrival at Fort 
Lyon, he selected Captain Henry W. Nail, of the Seventh Michigan 
Infantry, for Major. He had seen a year's service with that excellent 



42 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

regiment. He was a citizen of Detroit and brought a ripe experience 
in the field to the formative period of the Twenty-fourth. 

Adjutant James J. Barns was a Corporal in Company F, First 
Michigan (three months) Infantry. He was captured at Bull Run, 
and had been a prisoner till July 6, 1862. Quartermaster Digby V. 
Bell, Jr., left a good position in the custom house. Surgeons J. H. 
Beech, Charles C. Smith and Alexander Collar were experienced 
practitioners. Chaplain William C. Way was a member of Detroit 
Conference. 

Captain Edwin B. Wight was a graduate of Michigan University. 
He had studied law, and was extensively engaged in the lumber 
business. Captains W. G. Vinton and Isaac W. Ingersoll were well 
established builders, and left a thriving business to raise a company 
each for the Twenty-fourth Michigan. Captain C. B. Crosby was a 
merchant at Plymouth. Captain William J. Speed had just finished a 
term as city attorney; for several years he had been a member of the 
Detroit Light Guard, and brought good knowledge of military tactics 
to the regiment. Captain James Cullen was a contractor, and was 
zealous in raising his company. Captain William A. Owen had been 
admitted to the bar, but was in business. Captain George C. Gordon 
was a recent graduate of the Universty Law School, and Captain 
W. W. Wight was a Livonia farmer. 

Captain A. M. Edwards had been a student for two years in 
Michigan University and was a sergeant in Company K, First 
Michigan (3 mo.) Infantry. He was captured at Bull Run, July 21, 
1 86 1, and was held a prisoner of war until May 20, 1862. During 
this period he was among those selected as hostages for the captured 
privateers of the enemy. He was sent to Castle Pinkney and thence 
to Charleston jail, where he shared lots to be hanged in retribution 
for the first privateer whom the Federal government should execute. 
After an imprisonment of ten months he was exchanged, and 
recruited a company for the Twenty-fourth Michigan. 

Lieutenant Richard S. Dillon was in the iron business; Lieutenant 
Wm. H. Rexford was practicing law; Lieutenant Charles A. Hoyt 
was engaged in farming; Lieutenant John M. Farland was copying in 
the County Clerk's office; Lieutenant John J. Lennon had already 
served at the front; Lieutenant Ara W. Sprague had served in the 
Mexican war; Lieutenant William Hutchinson was in the service of 
Captain Owen, in the butcher business; Lieutenant John C. Merritt 
was in the employ of the Michigan Central R. R. Company; 
Lieutenant Walter H. Wallace had been a sergeant in Company F, 



RAISING THE REGIMENT. 43 

Second Michigan Infantry, and lost an eye at the battle of Fair Oaks; 
Lieutenant H. Rees Whiting was engaged in journalism ; Lieutenant 
Frederick A. Buhl was a junior in Michigan University; Lieutenant 
W. S. Safford was a farmer, and Lieutenant C. C. Yemans was a 
member of the Detroit Conference; Lieutenant Malachi J. O'Donnell 
was foreman of the Free Press composing rooms; Lieutenant Jacob 
M. Howard, Jr., was a son of United States Senator Howard; 
Lieutenant George W. Burchell was of military ancestry, his 
grandfather having fought at Waterloo; Lieutenant Newell Grace left 
a good law practice; Lieutenant J. M. Gordon was in the shoe trade, 
and Lieutenant David Birrell was in the drug business. 

Such honorable mention might be continued through the 
non-commissioned ofificers and men. In the ranks were physicians, 
ministers, lawyers, teachers, surveyors, students of Michigan University 
and every college in the State, as well as men of almost every 
business and trade. The regiment contained the best blood of the 
county; rich men and poor men; sons of the wealthy and sons of 
the laborer; men from foreign shores and isles of the sea, who could 
but imperfectly understand our language, but would help us fight our 
battles ; men with gray hairs, far above exemption limit, and beardless 
youths of tender culture. Some had already shared the hardships of 
the field in the earlier stages of the war. A full list of all the original 
members of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, with their nativities, ages; 
residences, etc., will be found in appendix A. Its perusal will prove 
interesting, although statistical, to other readers than members of our 
regiment. 

NATIVITIES. 

AMERICAN BORN. FOREIGN BORN. 

Detroit, 64 Germany 100 

Wayne County, 161 Ireland, 85 

Other counties, 117 England, 55 

New York, 250 Canada, 49 

Ohio 29 Scotland, 16 

New Jersey 15 France 7 

Vermont 14 Switzerland, 6 

Pennsylvania, Ii Belgium, 3 

Maine, 8 Wales 2 

Connecticut, 7 Sweden, 2 

New Hampshire, 6 

Massachusetts 4 

Nine other States 14 

Total, 700 Total 325 

Born in Michigan, 343; in other States, 357; in foreign lands, 325; unknown, 5; 
total, 1,030. 
(4) 



44 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



NATIVITIES BY COMPANIES. 



Detroit, 

Wayne County, - 
Other counties, 
New York, 
Other States, 
England, 
Ireland, . . . 
Canada, 
Germany, 
Other countries, 

Total, . . 

Americans, . . 
Foreigners, . , 



15 

7 

13 

20 

9 
I 
6 

7 
16 

7 



64 
37 



3 

9 

22 

14 

9 
21 
8 
6 
4 



104 



56 
48 



34 

5 

46 



D 



I 

35 

5 

20 



3 

18 



69 
33 



9 

2 

6 

16 

7 
6 

37 
7 



105 



40 

65 



5 

9 

19 

22 

14 
I 

5 

3 

15 



69 
32 



10 

17 

19 
II 

9 
3 
3 
9 
4 



103 



75 
28 



H 



3 
25 
24 
18 

5 

7 

4 

15 



lOI 



70 
31 



4 

28 
8 
26 
II 
9 
3 
5 
4 
3 



77 
24 



K 



3 
30 

9 
30 



83 
18 



AGES OF THE MEMBERS. 



Twenty years and under, .... 312 

Between 20 and 25, 271 

25 " 30 193 

30 " 35, 97 

35 " 40, 78 



Between 40 and 50, 50 

Over 45 years 27 

Unknown, 2 

Total, 1030^ 



AVERAGE AGES BY COMPANIES. 



A — 24 years, 2 months. 

B--25 " iiK 

C — 23 " 1% 

D — 24 " I " 

E — 26 " 4 



F — 28 years, 5 months. 
G — 23 " 5 
H — 24 " o 
I — 26 " 2 
K — 25 " 4 



Average age of members of the regiment, 25 years, 3 months. 



RAISIN(; THE REGIMENT. 



45 



OCCUPATIONS OF ITS MEMBERS 



Farmers, 

Laborers, 

Carpenters, 

Clerks, 

Sailors, . 

Blacksmiths, 

Printers, 

Shoemakers, 

Painters, 

Masons, . 

Coopers, 

Tinsmiths, . 

Teamsters, 

Students, 



412 
88 
62 
38 
34 
25 
21 
18 
17 
14 
12 
II 



Molders, . 

Butchers, 

Machinists, . 

Cigarmakers, . 

Engineers, 

Millers, . . . 

Wagonmakers, 

Book-keepers, 

Boilermakers, 

Lawyers, 

Tailors, . . 

Wheelwrights, 

Bakers, 

Brickmakers, . 



Ironworkers, 
Peddlers, . 
Doctors, . 
Sawyers, . 
Teachers, 
Journalists, 
Preachers, 
Coffin maker. 
Other trades, 
Unknown, 

Total, . 



• 5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
4 
3 
I 

• 75 
10 

1030 



RESIDENCES OF MEMBERS BV TOWNS, ETC. 
. . 42S Springwells, ... 19 Exeter (Monroe Co.) 

Huron, 18 

Canton, 16 

Trenton, .... 14 
Sumpter, 11 



77 
61 



Clinton Co., . 
Washtenaw Co., 
Oakland, Co., 
Other Counties, 
Unknown, 



Detroit, . . 
Plymouth, 
Redford, . . 
Livonia, . 
Brownstown. . 

Nankin, 41 Greenfield, ... 9 

Dearborn, .... 35 Hamtramrk, ... 8 

Wyandotte, .... 23 Ecorse 7 Total, 

Van Buren, ... 20 Grosse Pointe, ... 4 
Romulus, .... 19 Ash (Monroe Co.), . 29 

Summary : Detroit, 428; Wayne County townships, 479; other counties, 120; 
unknown, 3. Total, 1030. 



. 6 

35 

. 28 

10 

12 

3 

1030 



RESIDENCES BV COMPANIES. 

Staff — Detroit 7, townships 3, other counties i. Total 11. 

A — Detroit 58, Brownstown b, other townships 12, Ash in Monroe County 11, 
other counties 14. Total loi. 

B — Detroit 60, Wyandotte 19, Trenton 13, townships 8, outside counties 4. 
Total 104. 

C — Plymouth 69, Canton 7, Livonia 9, Nankin 6, Salem 8, Detroit r. Total 100. 

D — Detroit 27, Dearborn 27, Nankin 11, Canton 8, Romulus 10, Van Buren 9, 
other towns 8, other counties 2. Total 102. 

E — Detroit 87, townships 13, other counties 5. Total 105. 

F — Detroit 41, Van Buren 10, Ecorse 7, other townships 23, Washtenaw County 
II, other counties 9. Total loi. 

G — Detroit 48, Sumpter 10, Brownstown 8, Springwells 5, Huron 5, other 
towns 8, Ash 15, other counties 4. Total 103. 

H — Detroit 53, Greenfield 5, Livonia 5, other towns 13, Clinton County 17, 
other counties 8. Total loi. 

I — Redford 51, Detroit 30, Nankin 7, other towns n, other counties 2. 
Total loi. 

K — Livonia 31, Brownstown 31, Detroit 15, Nankin 9, Huron 9, other towns 6. 
Total loi. 



46 HISTORY OF THE TWENTV-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES. 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan might have been called a regiment 
of relatives, as 135 of its members had brothers in it, the brothers 
being most frequently in the same companies. Company A had 20 
brothers, C had 18, D had 20, F had 17, G had 14, H had 14 and K 
had 17, while numerous ones had brothers in other companies than 
their own. There were several cases of father and son, cousins, 
brothers-in-law, etc. Company H. had a father and two sons — the 
Steele family. There were also several cases of three brothers of one 
family in its ranks. 

One boy was discharged by " habeas corpus " before the regiment 
left Detroit, Three men were not mustered, by some error. One 
man died and eleven deserted before the regiment left for the front. 
Company C was the youngest in average age and F the oldest. C also 
contained the greatest number (62) whose ages were between twenty 
and thirty years. It was the color company, one of its corporals, 
Abel G. Peck, being the first color-bearer. 

The first man to enlist in the regiment was Corporal George W. 
Chrouch of D, on July 19, 1862. He had already seen service in the 
First Michigan (3 mo.) Infantry, and was wounded at Bull Run. He 
was also the tallest enlisted man, measuring six feet three inches. 
John Renton of the same company was next in height, being one-half 
inch shorter. D also had forty-eight men between twenty and 
twenty-five years, the greatest number of like ages in any company. 

Company E had the greatest number (14) over forty years old. 
In average age G was next to the youngest company. It contained 
the youngest member of the regiment, Willie Young, b*arely thirteen 
years of age, who served as drummer through the war. The tw^o 
youngest in the ranks who carried guns were Patrick Cleary and 
August Lahser of Company I. Company K had seventy-two farmers, 
the most of any; also the oldest man, James Nowlin, who was seventy 
years old. It also contained the greatest number of boys (46) who 
were twenty years old and under. Company C had the greatest 
number of American born (92), and Company E the greatest number 
(65) of foreign born. 

DEPARTURE FROM HOME. 

As the day of departure drew near, activity increased in camp, 
Happy he who obtained a furlough to visit home and friends once 







liKPARTrRE FOR THE WAR, AVGl'ST 29, 18C2. 



48 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOUR'JH MICHIGAN. 

more. Familiar faces in suits of blue hastened about. Sad the 
hearths which soon will have vacant chairs. Up yonder shaded 
walk move two affianced hearts vowing eternal fidelity and devotion 
"till this cruel war is over." Blue forms bend over sleeping babes, 
whom the infant's eyes will never more behold. Mothers press sons 
to their hearts again and again, then go to their closets to pray. 
Fathers grasp tender hands they so often have led in younger days, 
try to talk in old familiar tones, and with a " God bless you," part 
with their sons forever! 

Friday, August 29, 1862, dates our departure for the front. 
Knapsacks are packed, ranks formed, and at 5 o'clock in the afternoon 
the regiment bade farewell to Camp Barns, and keeping step to the 
grand music of the Union, marched down Woodward avenue, thence 
up Jefferson avenue to greet General O. B. Wilcox, just returned from 
Southern captivity, thenCe to the Michigan Central wharf. 

From many- hamlets in and out of the city had come relatives 
and friends to bid a last adieu. But few families there were in city or 
county that had not some friend or near acquaintance in this 
regiment, and its departure drew hard upon the hearts of the people. 
Thousands and thousands crowded the sidewalks and streets.. Other 
thousands viewed from the housetops, balconies and windows. 
Continuous waves of flags and handkerchiefs, and cheer after cheer 
saluted the ranks throughout their march. Roman emperor never 
had a prouder greeting than the men who, with flying colors, this 
day marched along 

"The beautiful streets of the beautiful town 
That sits by the inland seas." 

Thousands of anxious souls strove to bid good-bye, "just once 
more," by embrace, word, or glance only, to departing friends. The 
lines of the "May Queen," bearing Companies A, B, C, D and E, and 
the "Cleveland," bearing Companies F, G, H, I and K, are cast away, 
and the boats slowly leave the wharf with their living freights of blue. 
Ten thousand final farewells pass between shore and steamers, amid 
cheers and wavings of handkerchiefs and hats. The immense throng 
continued to gaze upon the receding vessels till they are lost to view, 
and only would they leave the wharf when the boats could be seen no 
more. Sadness was upon pillows in many Wayne county homes 
that night. 



RAISING THE REGIMENT. 49 

( From the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune.) 

They have gone, the pride and glory of our homes, the loved and true, 
They have left us bowed with anguish, filled with proud rejoicing, too; 
For a nobler band of soldiers never passed Virginia's shore. 
Than have left us soon to struggle with brave ones gone before. 

They have left us, bearing with them hearts that never quail with fear; 
Arms that only grow the stronger as the danger draweth near. 
Left us? Aye! The lonely firesides many a plaintive story tell, 
Waking in our hearts a struggle, which we vainly strive to quell. 

Oh! Defend them, God of battles, swiftly to the rescue come; 
Hear the earnest prayers ascending from each lonely, stricken home. 
Yet the still, small voice replying, bids the warring tumult cease. 
And return them to our firesides, crowned with liberty and peace.* 

OUR JOURNEY TO THE FRONT. 

After a night of rough passage on Lake Erie, Cleveland was 
reached in the morning, and cars taken for Pittsburg, at which busy 
and smoky city we arrived before dark, after a pleasant journey 
through Ohio. Of our tarry here, the Pittsburg Gazette said: 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan arrived in this city Saturday evening, August 30. 
Its soldiers are of the very best class of men, stout, hearty, cheerful, intelligent and 
splendidly equipped. They were marched to the city hall, where a sumptuous repast 
awaited them, during which Colonel Morrow made a patriotic address, thanking the 
committee for their kindness, and assuring them that when this war is over and the 
Pennsylvania regiments passed through Detroit to take Canada, their kindness would 
be reciprocated. He read dispatches from the seat of war, and lusty cheers were given 
for Pittsburg and our cause, when the regiment marched to the Eastern train. 

Long will our tarry here be remembered. Nearly every man 
received a bouquet and a "good-bye, soldiers," from the Pittsburg 
girls, who seemed to fall in love with the regiment at first sight. 
Rings, ambrotypes, and handkerchiefs freely exchanged ownerships, 
and a portion of the regiment was in a fair way of being "captured," 
when a blast from the iron horse ended this coquetry of an hour, and 
our train was soon speeding for the Alleghanies and the lovely 
Juniata Valley. 

At 9 o'clock on Sunday morning, our train arrived at Harrisburg, 
and was switched off for Baltimore, where we arrived at noon. 
Marching to the Washington depot, five regiments were ahead of us 
awaiting transportation. After waiting around till 3 o'clock Monday 



* Written for the occasion by a lady of Redford. 



so 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 




RAISING THE REGIMENT. 



51 



morning, September i, part of the time in a drenching rain, we were 
placed in cattle cars and started on a forty-mile ride for Washington, 
but, being sidetracked so often for passing trains, it was noon ere that 
city was reached. We filed into some barracks, called a " Soldiers' 
Retreat," for dinner, but a single company could have eaten the 
whole spread had the quality of the food admitted. This was our 
first experience with the outrageous army contractor who received 
full pay for food that would insult a hog. 

Ranks were again formed, and up Pennsylvania avenue we 
marched, thence south to the Long Bridge across the Potomac, which 
leads to "Secessia." Here the regiment was halted for some time to 
allow a long train of ambulances to pass, containing wounded from the 
neighboring battle-fields. In one was the bod)' of Colonel Horace S. 
Roberts, of Detroit, which produced a profound sensation in the 
regiment. The sight of these wounded soldiers caused the first 
emphatic impression of the work we had enlisted to engage in. 
Crossing the Long Bridge to the tune of "Dixie," we first set feet 
upon rebellion soil. 




SCENE IN PENNSYLVANIA WHILE GOING TO THE FRONT. 



CHAPTER III. 



First Months of Army Life. 



ALEXANDRIA — FORT LYON. 

PURSUING our march into Virginia on the evening of 
September i, we reached Alexandria, the quaint old town 
from which, in colonial days over a century before, Braddock's 
troops marched for the field of his fatal defeat. The city was 
a hot-bed of secession. " Here was the Marshal House where the 
youthful Ellsworth and Jackson, his murderer, met death in the same 
moment. Yonder was the Slave Pen from which the F. F. V's* 
shipped their surplus human chattels to the slave marts of the far 
South. But its barbarous purposes were ended forever. 

Marching a couple of miles beyond this city, we climbed to the top 
of a high hill crowned by Fort Lyon, named in honor of the hero of 
Wilson's Creek. Its ponderous guns frowned down upon the secesh 
city below. It was now past sunset, and scarcely had the crest been 
reached when angry, dark clouds hovered low over our heads, soon 
bursting into one of Virginia's severest rain storms, which lasted till 
morning. The men had neither tents nor shelter, and they suffered 
greatly from the cold storm — a most severe initiation into the 
hardships of soldier life. And such was our first night at the front. 
Colonel Morrow and a few of the men found shelter in a house where 
General Joseph Hooker was stopping for the night. The latter had 
just arrived from the battlefields near by, and the two formed an 
acquaintanceship which continued through later experiences in 
army life. 

CAMP MORROW — JADED TROOPS. 

The next morning, September 2d, fires were built, our clothes 
dried upon our backs, and from our haversacks we ate our first meal 
in "Dixie," as the South was called. The location was named "Camp 
Morrow." It was customary to name regimental camps after some 
member, patron, friend or dead member of the regiment. At two 



♦First Families of Virginia, 

(52) 



FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFE. 



53 









/]a 



m^Vf. 







133 



G ayVA^O VN 61A< '»^ ^ Vf 



^j^^l>w. i, V^ ^^ ^ 



54 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

o'clock marching orders came but no start was made. Ammunition 
was distributed and that night we slept on our arms, or with our guns 
by our side, as the enemy's pickets were not far away. 

The following day we saw the jaded, foot-sore and dusty 
fragments of the once magnificent Army of the Potomac, pass by our 
camp, to within the fortifications around Washington. For seventeen 
days had these decimated regiments been fighting and retreating 
before a victorious foe — men who had fought their way up the 
Peninsula to within sight of the Richmond spires, slept in the noxious 
swamps of the Chickahominy, and even among festering bodies of 
unburied dead men and horses, and whom we had come to re-enforce. 
Surely the authority that stopped enlistments the spring before, most 
stupidly miscalculated the necessities of the hour and scope of 
the war. 

CAMP WAYNE — FALSE ALARM. 

On the afternoon of September 4th, we marched to Camp Wayne, 
about four miles South of Fort Lyon. While pitching our tents all 
were ordered in great haste into line of battle. It proved a false 
alarm, and well it was such, for some amusing and clumsy evolutions 
were made, this being our first maneuver of the kind. Retiring 
under our tents, we were suddenly awakened again at midnight by 
the long roll and shrill voices of orderlies to "fall in." This time 
the movement was quickly executed and without confusion, each man 
being able by some private identification to place his hand upon his 
own gun by night or day. It proved to be another false alarm, but 
the discipline was good. The regiment was now on the extreme left 
of the army, guarding Hooker's division. The enemy's lines were a 
mile beyond. 

Camp Wayne was finely situated in the woods. It was the 
location of the Michigan brigade the winter before, and then called 
Camp Michigan. On the 6th, the men were gladdened by the 
presence of John J. Bagley and several Detroit citizens. Though 
but a week from home, anybody, or even a dog, from Wayne 
county was welcome in camp. 

MOUNT VERNON — MARCHING ORDERS. 

On Sunday, the 7th, a few of us visited Mount Vernon, about 
four miles away. Our guns were left outside the enclosure, as no 
soldier of either army was allowed to bear arms inside the hallowed 
grounds. With delight we stood upon the stately veranda, passed 



FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFE. 55 

along the graceful walks and beneath the magnolia tree planted by 
Washington's hands. We visited the ancient mansion, going from 
room to room. Up a narrow staircase to the left we reach the room 
in which he died, where still stands the bedstead on which he 
breathed his last. The shutter of the window was adjusted as it was 
to allow him to behold his last sunset view. His tomb was visited, 
and, with uncovered head, we gazed upon •the mound containing his 
mortal remains. On returning to camp, we passed the negro quarters, 
where dwelt the descendants of Washington's slaves, one of whom 
was an aged servant far back to Washington himself, whom he 
distinctly remembered, and whose word there was no reason to doubt. 
These people still formed the working force of the plantation. 

Arrived in camp, we found the men packing up under marching 
orders, and at 9 o'clock we started for Leesburg, taking our blankets 
only, to be in light marching order, as it was understood that we were 
to go in pursuit of Lee, who had invaded Maryland. The night was 
moonlight and beautiful. Passing by Camp Morrow and again 
through "secesh" Alexandria, we bivouacked at 2 o'clock, two miles 
from the Long Bridge, on the Potomac bank, and in the morning 
(September 8) moved on to Washington. By some mistake at the 
War Office, the Seventeenth Michigan was ordered to take our place 
for Leesburg, while the Twenty-fourth Michigan was sent across 
Anacostia creek to Fort Baker. Thus, the histories of these two 
regiments were interchanged. 

ARMY LIFE AT CAMP SHEARER. 

Our new location was called "Camp Shearer." It was healthy, 
well drained, and there was good spring water near by. It was soon 
adorned with pines from the neighboring woods, a retired resort from 
which was had a good view of the Capital City, over the tops of 
trees in the valley between. Only the boom of the navy yard guns 
for practice disturbed our quiet. Here were spent three of the 
happiest weeks of army life, and Camp Shearer is a pleasant memory 
to this day. 

The first death in the regiment since it left home was that of 
George B, Parsons, of Company D, who died in the ambulance going 
thither from Camp Wayne, from delirium caused by fright from tlie 
sudden call to arms on the night of the 4th. His remains were sent 
home at the expense of his comrades. 

The regiment was attached to General Woodbury's Engineer 
Brigade, and two companies were detailed each day to chop away the 



56 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



young growth of pine in front of Fort Baker to allow a better range of 
its guns. When not on such fatigue duty, the men were engaged in 
drill, and soon became skilled in the evolutions and school of the 
soldier. On Sunday, the 2ist, the regiment was inspected by General 
Woodbury and staff, who pronounced it "as fine a body of men as he 
ever saw." But he probably made the same remark to every regiment 
inspected by him. 

On the 14th and 17th of September, the booming of guns was 
heard forty miles distant, at the South Mountain and Antietam 
battle-fields, and we wonder how long ere we, too, will be engaged. 

On the 25th, 26th and 27th, the regiment was drilled in sham 
fighting, which accustoms the men to the sound of their own guns in 
action. On the first day, Peter Euler, of G, was shot in the leg. On 
the next day, a man's face was filled with powder. On the third day, 
a soldier shot off his ramrod, which struck Orderly Sergeant W. R. 
Dodsley, of H. These accidents terminated this manner of drill. On 
the last day. Governor Blair witnessed the sham battle. 

And thus a trio of weeks passed by, ourselves gladdened with 
daily mails, a good place to sleep, and ample and wholesome food ; 
our evenings gleeful with music, dancing, and song, while the prayer 
meetings were well attended by such as found interest therein. But 
September 29 brought an end to these pastimes by orders to start 
next morning for the Army of the Potomac. 



POPES CAMPAIGN — DISASTER. 

Before proceeding further with our story, let us survey the army 
movements since we left the Army of the Potomac at Harrison's 

Landing on the James river in 
the early days of July. While 
this army was on the Peninsula, 
three other commands had been 
formed: (i) McDowell's, at 
Fredericksburg; (2) Banks', in 
the Shenandoah Valley, and (3) 
Fremont's, in West Virginia. 
These were united under General 
Pope, who issued a bombastic 
address, the pungency of which 
was evidently aimed at McClellan 
and his army. His satire was 
not calculated to foster for him 

MAP OF pope's campaign, 1862. 




FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFE. 57 

the respect of the generals of that army, and the failures that soon 
fohowed are possibly traceable to this cause. Meanwhile, General 
Halleck had been appointed General-in-Chief of all the Union armies. 

Pope with 40,000 men was at Culpepper, McClellan with 90,000 
men was on the James river below Richmond, and Lee with a large 
army of the enemy lay virtually between the two Union armies. It 
was deemed advisable at the War Office that the two parts of the 
Union army be united, and McClellan was ordered to withdraw his 
army by water for this purpose, to Alexandria. Instead of obeying 
the order with alacrity, leaving consequences with his superiors 
he protested and tried to defeat it, but finally obeyed after 
some delay. 

Meanwhile, Lee was quick to perceive his opportunity. Keeping 
a portion of his men to watch McClellan, he sent forward Ewell and 
Jackson to encounter Banks' corps of Pope's army, with whom he 
fought a battle at Cedar Mountain on August 19. So soon as 
McClellan was fairly under way. down the Peninsula to embark for 
Alexandria, Lee went with the rest of his forces in pursuit of Pope, 
whom he hoped to defeat ere the Union forces could be united. 

Pope retired, before Lee's overwhelming forces, behind the 
Rappahannock, hoping to hold its fords until the Army of the 
Potomac could come to his aid. While thus engaged, "Stonewall" 
Jackson crossed higher up, and by forced marches got in the rear of 
Pope at Manassas Junction on August 26, completely cutting off his 
railroad communications with Washington. Pope sent McDowell's 
corps from Fredericksburg to intercept him. As McDowell, with 
General Rufus King's division far in advance, reached the Warrenton 
Pike near Gainesville, on August 28, this single division presented its 
flank to Jackson's corps which furiously assailed it. Gibbon's brigade 
was the first to encounter their murderous fire and heroically stood 
the onset till King's whole division could get into line. The battle 
lasted until after dark. It was bloody. At midnight the division 
fell back to Manassas Junction, tarrying to bury their dead in the 
darkness, and leaving Jackson to unite with Longstreet. 

August 29 and a few days following were sad ones for the Army 
of the Potomac which had now been united with Pope's under the 
command of the latter. We shall not trouble our readers with the 
maneuverings of our army during that time, as there are still sharply 
disputed points about them. Our army seemed to be defeated by 
brigade at a time. Pope's satire of six weeks before was apparently 
felt yet by some of McClellan's Generals who were now serving under 



58 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Pope himself, and their eagerness for his success may not have been 
all that patriotic duty demanded. One General, Fitz John Porter — 
is credited with saying that " Pope ought to be defeated." While 
McClellan even wrote a letter to Lincoln, suggesting that " Pope be 
left to get out of his scrape the best he could." The President felt 
compelled to request McClellan, for the sake of the army and 
country, to urge the Generals who had served under him, to drop 
personal feelings and render loyal assistance to Pope, which he did. 
Shame, that such is a part of our Country's history, when want of 
harmony among Generals is a greater element of defeat than the 
opposing foe! In one day — August 29 — by reason of such quarreling 
more union men were killed and wounded than during either the entire 
Revolutionary or Mexican Wars ! Non-commissioned ofificers could 
have done better. 

The battles of Manassas and Chantilly followed, the advantages 
being with the enemy. Halleck now ordered the remnant of this 
once proud army within the defenses of Washington. Gibbon's 
brigade acted as rear guard and an eye witness thus speaks of it : 

Gibbon's brigade covered the rear, not leaving the field until after 9 o'clock at 
night, showing so steady a line that the enemy made no attempt to molest them. 

It was with this brigade of King's division that the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan was afterwards united. This decimated army 
was the body of jaded troops that passed our camp at Fort Lyon. 

MARYLAND INVASION — SOUTH MOUNTAIN — ANTIETAM. 

Lee was too wise to assail the defenses of Washington, and 
resolved "to liberate Maryland," ere the northern levies could be 
made available. His illusions persuaded him that his army could be 
largely recruited in that State, and thither he directed his forces, 
but met with no such welcome as he expected. His ragged and 
shoeless soldiers did not inspire the Marylanders, and but few joined 
his standard. 

On September 4th, the President re-instated McClellan to the 
command of the Army of the Potomac. He soon after went in 
pursuit of Lee, whom he found on Sunday, September 14, strongly 
posted on the east side of South Mountain, holding Turner's, Fox's 
and Crampton's Gaps. What is known as the National Road leads 
over the South Mountain at Turner's Gap. This main road was 
stormed by Gibbon's brigade at half-past five in the afternoon, and 
at 9 o'clock at night, the enemy was routed and had to vacate the 
pass. They were assisted by ^Battery B, Fourth United States 



FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFE. 



59 



Artillery which was attached to this brigade. At Fox's Gap, a mile 
south, the Seventeenth Michigan had charged in the forenoon and 
won lasting fame. 

Lee withdrew to the south side of the Antietam, a deep stream 
emptying into the Potomac six miles above Harper's Ferry. On 
Wednesday, the 17th of September, was fought on the banks of this 
stream, the bloodiest battle of the war, considering the few hours that 
the engagement lasted. This battle was begun by the advance of 
Hooker's corps, and Gibbon's brigade became hotly engaged, opening 
the battle, dislodging the enemy in their front and holding their 
ground like a mountain or wall of iron until relieved by fresh troops. 
For its intrepidity on this occasion and its valorous charge in carrying 
the South Mountain pass three nights before, it secured from General 




OUR JOURNEY THROUGH MARYLAND TO JOIN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 



McClellan the title of "Iron Brigade," a name well won and honorably 
borne thereafter, as it was found, when the war closed, to have 
sustained, in proportion to its numbers, greater losses than any other 
brigade. 

On September 18, both Lee and McClellan agreed to an armistice 
for eight hours to bury their dead and care for the wounded. But Lee 
utilized this time, in violation of the truce, by digging trenches for 
escape through the sides of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, and that 
night, escaped unobserved, with his army, through the excavations 

C5) 



6o HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

across a ford of the Potomac into Virginia. Lee's violation of the 
terms of the truce was prompted by his same traitorous heart which 
led him to violate his sworn oath and turn traitor to the country 
which had educated him gratuitously, and which educational 
acquirements he was now employing against his country. 

OUR JOURNEY TO FREDERICK CITY. 

After receiving marching orders on September 29, the camp was 
busy with preparations for removal. Letters were hastily written and 
much of the night was spent in making ready for the journey. At 6 
o'clock on Tuesday morning, the 30th, we turned our backs upon 
Camp Shearer, around which cluster many associations of interest, and 
marched away to the Capital City. Transportation not being in 
readiness, we proceeded to the Capitol grounds where we remained all 
day, and at evening entered the enclosure, bivouacking in the East 
Park, under the shadow of the Capitol itself. But a few rods away on 
the eastern portico, the several Presidents of this great republic had 
taken the oath of office. Indeed we are now on classic ground, and 
beneath the foliage of stately elms, we prepare our beds for sleep. 

Our heart was stirred with deep emotion at this time. These 
massive walls of the Nation's council chambers were lighted from 
basement to unfinished dome, within which, on cots of anguish and 
pain, lay hundreds of our country's defenders, brought from the recent 
battle-fields up the Potomac. Yonder stands the old Capitol, so 
resonant in days agone with the eloquence and teachings of the early 
statesmen of the Republic — now a prison for those who seek to take 
its life. Here is the silent, yet eloquent, statue of the great 
Washington, amid armed legions gathered to defend from sacrilegious 
hands the Temple of Liberty which he did so much to build. These 
wounded, and the daily clangor of arms and martial strains about the 
Nation's capital, attest the inexpiable crime of that hateful treason 
which has filled our land with mourning. But, alas! the traitorous 
marplots who brought on this awful war are not among those who do 
the fighting. Not they. Far better should they have been blown to 
perdition ere their conduct had brought about the terrible sufferings 
of those who have to fight. 

Our reveries and dreams were brief, for at i o'clock in the 
morning the ringing voice of Colonel Morrow awoke us from our 
slumbers with "The Twenty-fourth, fall in." Once more aboard 
cattle cars, we left for Frederick City, Maryland, at 8 o'clock. We 
welcomed our transition from the hot and dusty streets of the city to 



FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFP: 



6i 



the cool hill country of "Our Maryland." At the Relay House our 
railway crosses that wonder of science and skill, the massive viaduct, 
and then, with an abrupt sweep to the left, under the precipitous and 
overhanging rocky banks of the Patapsco, we pass on up the valley of 
that meandering stream for miles, by charming waterfalls and scenes 
of grandeur, watching this beautiful, diminishing stream until it is lost 
in the summit of the mountain. 

Descending into the Monocacy Valley, the landscape scenery 
continues sublime amid circles of hills and beautiful farms. With 
banners and waving handkerchiefs, we are cheered on our journey. 
From hewn-stone mansions and humble cottages came loyal greetings 




as we passed them by. One old man, with snow-white head, and 
grandchildren by his side, waved the old flag at us with an energy that 
would have borne him to the field had his years permitted. Now 
and then we saw motionless hands and silent lips, but they were few. 
No more the slave will do their waiting — the true secret of their 
grumpy sullenness and soured mien. It did our hearts good to see 
the old flag waved from Maryland farm-houses. It was done with an 
expression that evinced no doubt of the sincerity of their loyalty to 
the Union amid secession surroundings. It was a day of pleasure, 
and at midnight we left the cars at our destination to make ourselves 
comfortable in the nearest field. 



62 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

CAMP CLARK. 

In the morning, Thursday, October 2, a good tenting field 
was found near the raih'oad, which was named " Camp Clark," after 
Dr. E. M. Clark, of Detroit, who gratuitously passed upon the physical 
fitness of our regiment at Camp Barns. Here, the regiment was 
temporarily placed in General Paul's brigade. We spent a few days 
in drilling and bathing, and washing our clothes in the Monocacy. 

On October 4, President Lincoln passed by our camp, from a visit 
to the recent and neighboring battle-fields. He stood at the rear of 
his train, bowing to us as it slowly moved by. His head was 
uncovered and he looked careworn from the weighty matters upon his 
mind. We gave him some Michigan cheers as the train moved 
slowly by. 

The following day being Sunday, some of us visited Frederick 
City, near by. About every church or public place in the town was 
filled with the wounded from South Mountain and Antietam battles. 
This is quite an old city for this country, its market house being 
erected in 1769. Its people were generally loyal to the Union with 
some exceptions. Some of the disloyal dames invited the Confederate 
officers while there, to their homes, but the lively appearance of their 
beds when the chivalry had gone, made them regret the courtesy 
shown their secesh friends. 

MARCH TO SHARFSBURC — BATTLEFIELD SCENES. 

Monday, October 6, at 4 o'clock, P. M., we started by the 
National Road, on our march for Sharpsburg, Maryland. Passing 
through Frederick City, we had a right royal greeting from the people 
with a slight mixture of the secesh frown. About five miles from the 
city, we passed over the Catoctin Mountains and down into Middle- 
town Valley, turning, at night, into a meadow for bivouac. Next 
morning, at 6 o'clock, our journey was resumed through Middletown 
Village. The soil is rich and cultivated farms may be seen nestling in 
the woods on the distant mountain tops. A little west of the village, 
the Catoctin stream was forded, as the stone bridge over it had been 
blown up by the retreating foe, at the beginning of the battle of 
Sunday, September 14. Thence we moved up to the crest of the 
South Mountain range where a halt of six hours was made in Turner's 
Gap. 

This National Road dates back to Colonial days, and before the 
age of railroads it formed the great highway between the East and 



FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFE. 



63 



West, It was a broad, macadamized way, and wound over mountains 
and hills which had been leveled off to form it. Over it, the produce 
came from the West and many a statesman found this a route by stage 
to the Capital City. Over it, Braddock marched his troops to defeat 
and his own untimely death. 

All about us were evidences of the late battle — shells lying 
around, trees and fences cut down. Here, Gibbon's brigade for four 
hours fought its way till into moonlight and carried the ground on 
which we have halted. Many of us visited the scene of the struggle. 




THE "twenty-fourth MICHIGAN"' MARCHING THROUGH 
MIDDLETOWN, MD., OCTOBER 7, 1862. 

The main fighting occurred at Fox's Gap about a mile south, on the 
farm of John Wise, where the old road from Middletown to 
Sharpsburg crosses the mountain. Mr. Wise was present to give us 
particulars of the fighting. His log house was pitted with bullets 
like small pox scars. In that barn, two Confederate and two Union 
ofificers fought each other to the death. Here was the lane between 
two stone walls in which was concealed Drayton's South Carolina 
brigade on that Sunday morning. In that copse of wood at the foot 
of the hill, the Seventeenth Michigan formed. It was in Michigan 
scarce two weeks before. Up, across the open field it charged, right 
over that stonewall, with a loss of twenty-eiglit of its own in killed, 
while the dead bodies of 154 of the South Carolina brigade were left 
in the lane. Of the latter, fifty-nine were hurried in Wise's well and 
the balance in a trench in his garden. Here is where the Seventeenth 
Michigan won its title as the "Stonewall Regiment," and rightly is 
it entitled to its fame. 



64 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



By that chestnut tree in the adjoining field, General Reno fell, a 
victim to the enemy's sharpshooters. Accoutrements, canteens and 
hats with the terrible bullet holes in front, were scattered around. 
Here was a pile of knapsacks marked " ist S. C." Their owners lay 
in yonder garden. These scenes were food for serious reflection. 
How long ere we, too, [would be actors on the field of deadly combat 




and fill soldiers' graves? At 5 o'clock p. m. the Regiment marched 
on to Boonsborough ; thence three miles south on the Keedysville 
road and bivouacked for the night. 

Wednesday, October 8 ; on the march at 7 o'clock. Keedysville 
is passed and we move on over a portion of the Antietam battle 
ground, over the historic Burnside bridge, through the now famous 
Sharpsburg village, and on a mile southeast to within half a mile 
of the Potomac, and went into camp. 



FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFE. 65 

CAMP HARBAUGM. 

The location was called Camp Harbaugh, after Wayne County's 
Prosecuting Attorney. The First, Fourth and Sixteenth Michigan 
were camped near us. Wood and water were not easy of access. 
The spires of Shepherdstown peered out of the woods across the 
Potomac. It was occupied by Confederates who picketed the 
opposite bank of the river. Near us were the excavations through 
the canal banks by which Lee and his army escaped after the battle. 
Near by was a large pile of unburied amputated limbs. Every barn, 
building and shed about us was filled with the wounded enemy to 
the number of several hundred, left by Lee after his retreat. Near 
to our camp was a barn filled with them, many of whom declared 
their fixed purpose to return to their ranks as soon as paroled. They 
expressed an undying hatred of the Union and were willing to march 
and fight, though shoeless and half-clad. A few only expressed 
contrition and a desire to return to their allegiance. 

THE IRON BRIGADE. 

Thursday, October 9, 1862, was the formal date of our admission 
to the Army of the Potomac. This day the regiment was inspected 
by General Gibbon of the " Iron Brigade," to which we had been 
assigned by General McClellan. The latter had applied to the War 
Of^ce for some Western troops, saying that he wished some 
Wisconsin or Indiana men for a Western brigade. If he could not 
have any from these States, he would take one from Michigan. The 
Twenty-fourth Michigan was sent up, and assigned to General 
Gibbon's command. It was not at his request, and he received us 
with considerable reluctance. Our regimental inspection over, we 
were drawn up in front of the rest of the brigade, whom we almost 
outnumbered. Our suits were new; theirs were army-worn. Our 
Colonel extolled our qualities, but the brigade was silent. Not a 
cheer. A pretty cool reception, we thought. We had come out to 
reinforce them, and supposed they would be glad to see us. Neither 
was satisfied with the other. 

The brigade was a good one. It had already won envious fame 
at dark and bloody Gainesville, carried Turner's Gap in the South 
Mountain range, opened the battle of Antietam, won the title of 
''Iron Brigade," and had a right to know before accepting our full 
fellowship if we, too, had the mettle to sustain the honor of the 
brigade. This brigade was composed of the Second, Sixth and 



66 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Seventh Wisconsin, and Nineteenth Indiana, to which, now, the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan was added. It was the Fourth Brigade, First 
Division and First Army Corps. General Gibbon commanded the 
brigade. General Doubleday the division, and General Hooker the 
corps. At this time the corps was immediately commanded by 
General John F. Reynolds while General Hooker was recovering from 
his Antietam wound. We were truly in a fighting brigade, a fighting 
division and a fighting corps, all commanded by fighting generals. 

DRILL. 

When not on the march or in action, drill, drill, drill, is the 
business of the soldier. It is tiresome, but necessary. No one can be 
a good soldier without it. A mistake on the battle-field in not 
properly giving or understanding how to execute a command, might 
cost many lives. In this discipline our Colonel is determined that 
the Twenty-fourth shall rank among the most ef^cient regiments in 
the service. Hence it is kept on battalion drill for six hours each 
day, and in the quickstep and other evolutions of the soldier school 
for an hour-and-a-half each day. This duty, with dress parade at 
5 o'clock, quite occupied our time. 

DRESS PARADE. 

The dress parade is a feature of army life. It usually occurs 
daily, near evening. Each company is expected to turn out in full 
and every man in neat appearance. The Orderly or First Sergeants 
form the companies, each on its respective ground. The men 
" fall in," which consists of their forming a line, the tallest man on 
the right and so on down the line, the shortest being on the left. 
The band strikes up a lively tune and marches to the parade ground. 
Each company is marched out by its commanding ofificer, and all 
arranged in their proper places in battle line. 

The band ceases its music; the Adjutant orders the battalion to 
present arms, and each gun is brought to a perpendicular before the 
body. Turning and saluting the commanding ofificer of the regiment 
who stands several rods in front of the regiment, he announces to 
him that the parade is formed. The Adjutant then marches to a 
position behind the Colonel. The manual of arms is usually gone 
through with, and the band playing a lively piece, marches at 
quick step, then counter marches the whole length of the line, 
returning to their place of starting. The Adjutant then takes a 



FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFE. 6/ 

position as before and tells the orderlies to report by calling them to 
the center of the regiment. Each orderly makes a report, "all 
present or accounted for," They then outward face and double quick 
to their posts. The Adjutant next reads any orders or communications 
that are to be made to the regiment, when the line ofificers march 
from their respective companies to the center of the regiment, face 
the Colonel, and in line all come forward, keeping step to the music. 
They halt a few spaces before the Colonel, saluting in the usual way. 
The Colonel gives any instructions he has for them and dismisses 
them. The several companies are marched back to their grounds 
and break ranks. 

THE soldier's HOUSE. 

The regiment was supplied with " French shelter tents." A 
piece of drilling six feet square, (impervious to rain unless punctured 
by pin or torn) with pieces of rope fixed to each corner, is allowed to 
each man. Two of these stretched over a pole upon two stakes, and 
the corners stretched out and fastened to the ground with wooden 




BURNSIDE HRIDOE AT ANTIETAM. 



pins to which the pieces of rope are tied, with a third piece on the 
gable, form a shelter for three soldiers. In camp, these tents are 
arranged in rows, and three or four hundred of them in a regiment or 
brigade, form quite a village of such out door habitations, When on 
the march without knapsacks, this piece of tent is rolled up with the 
soldier's blanket and the ends tied in horse-collar shape. It is then 



68 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

slung over one shoulder and under the opposite arm. The soldier is 
now in light marching order, with his haversack for his food, his 
canteen for water, and with his gun and accoutrements. 



BATTERY B. 

Attached to the Iron Brigade was Battery B, Fourth United States 
Artillery, popularly known as "Gibbon's Battery," after our brigade 
general. It was in the Mexican war and had a history. It is said 
that the General had a brother in the insurgent army who boasted that 
he would capture this Battery at anj^ cost. The attempt was made 
here at Antietam, the foe charging up to the very muzzles of his guns, 
and were knocked down by the artillerists with their ramrods. At 
this critical moment, General Gibbon himself sighted some of the guns 
which were double shotted with grape and canister. The carnage was 
terrible. The Battery was not taken but lost severely in men. On 
Saturday, October ii, twenty men of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
were detailed to duty in this Battery. 

ARMY BALLOON — MARCHING ORDERS, ETC. 

In a ravine near our camp was Professor Lowe's balloon which 
made several ascensions each day, to note the dispositions of the 
enemy's troops over the river. Strong picket guards were posted on 
each side of the Potomac. Soldiers were restricted to their regimental 
lines, under -penalty of being sent to work on the fortifications at 
Harper's Ferry. 

At I o'clock Sunday morning, October 12, our commissariat was 
aroused to prepare two days' cooked rations at once. Orders to march 
were momentarily expected, to intercept Stuart's cavalry, which was 
making a complete circuit around our army. But ere our rations were 
cooked, they had recrossed to the Virginia shore, and were climbing 
up the opposite bank, loaded with plunder, just as our cavalry arrived 
at the river. Our camp, which was agog all Sunday over this affair, 
settled down to duty again. 

Now that we are in the field, the soft bread and luxuries that we 
enjoyed at Camp Shearer have given place to hard tack, beef, pork, 
coffee, sugar and rice. The soldier's ration is more than he can 
ordinarily eat when he gets it, but for one reason and another, he 
scarcely ever gets it. Sometimes the fault of the dishonest contractor. 



FIRST MONTHS OF ARMY LIFE. 69 

frequently the delays attending the circumstances of war for which 
no one can be blamed. 

INSPECTION — THE BATTLE-FIELD — VISITORS. 

Thursday, October 16, at 2 o'clock, our regiment was again 
inspected by General Gibbon, who is a thorough soldier by education 
and practice. The regiment did credit to itself in its evolutions, and 
officers from veteran regiments present declared that no other 
surpassed us for our limited instruction. Our officers were marched to 
the center, when the General complimented them saying, "The 
regiment was the best drilled after such a short time of service of any 
he had ever reviewed," an encomium of which we all felt highly proud. 

The review over, about 500 of the regiment, headed by Colonel 
Morrow, visited the Antietam battlefield near by. No pen can 
describe the scenes enacted on this field of blood. The ground was 
stamped level and hard by troops and artillery. The dead were 
buried, some singly where they fell ; others in trenches and heaps. 
On one stake was inscribed, "Here lie 150 bodies, Ga. and S. C." 
Many were insufficiently buried, and here and there was seen a foot 
or hand, or a skull protruding. Lee did not bury many of his men at 
all, when granted an armistice to do so, but in violation of his 
agreement, bent all his energies in digging a way for escape under the 
canal tow-path, leaving his dead for our forces to bury. 

Friday, October 17, marked the advent to camp of several wives 
of our officers: Mrs. Flanigan, Mrs. Owen and Mrs. Rexford, also Mrs. 
W. Y. Rumney, wife of our sutler. They received a hearty welcome, 
and the regiment was again under woman's refining influences. Their 
arrival was the amusing occasion for several of the officers that night 
to search the camp for new quarters to sleep, or shiver about some 
campfire. 

CAMP PENNIMAN. 

Monday, October 20. While out on battalion drill this morning an 
order came to march in fifteen minutes, which caused a lively double- 
quicking for camp. Tents were struck, rations and accoutrements 
packed, and the men in line by the required time. A march of six 
miles up the river, through Bakerville, brought us to a fine, healthy 
location away from the effluvia of the Antietam battle-ground, and 
served as an outpost for a foray of the enemy. Our new abode was 
named "Camp Penniman," in honor of Hon. E. J. Penniman, of 



70 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Plymouth. Three days' rations were ordered to be kept constantly in 
our haversacks which kept us in moving expectations. The soldiers 
know not when or where they are to go. Rumors are afloat about 
this, that, or something else, but scarcely ever do the men, when on 
the march, know their destination. Regimental inspection was 
ordered for Friday morning, but after standing in line all day, awaiting 
the inspecting officers, we proceeded to our tents. The farce seemed 
likely to be repeated the next day, but they finally came and the 
unpleasant performance was ended once more. 




HURRAH FOR THE UNION! 



CHAPTER IV. 



March to the Rappahannock. 



RAIN STORM MARCH — CAMP MISERY. 

AMID a hard, freezing rainstorm on Sunday afternoon, 
October 26, we were ordered to strike tents and march in 
one hour. Our blankets and tentstrips were rolled into 
packs, and at 3 o'clock we moved ofi in the mud and slop, 
wet and cold. We marched back to Bakerville, thence along the edge 
of Antietam battlefield, by Smoketown Hospital to Keedysville ; 
thence south across the road by which we marched to Sharpsburg. 
Too dark to march, the soldier in our front is scarcely seen. Filing 
into an open field, we bivouacked for the' night, calling the place 
"Camp Misery." It was on a sloping field without grass, and in 
lying down anywhere, one soon found himself wet with running water 
from the hill top. Rails were soon brought from the nearest fence, 
fires built, and all night long while drying one side of our bodies, the 
other was getting wet from the drenching rain. And thus the 
miserable night was passed. [For route see map in last chapter.] 

CAMP COMFORT — CAMP HICKEY. 

Monday, October 27, morning came, cold, but the storm had 
ceased. Hardtack and coffee were swallowed in a biting, cold wind, 
and we were again in line for the march. A halt was made for two 
brigades to pass. Ranks were broken and in a few moments scores 
of fires were blazing from Maryland fence rails. Our clothes were 
dried and we moved on happy again. After a march of ten miles 
over the Blue Ridge Mountains, we encamped in Pleasant Valley and 
called the place "Camp Comfort." 

Tuesday, October 28, eleven o'clock, found us on the road again, 
passing by log houses, over South Mountain, via Crampton's Gap, 
through Birkettsville and Petersville, halting for the day about two 
miles from Berlin on the Potomac. Our location was called " Camp 
Hickey," after Reverend Manasseh Hickey of Detroit Conference. 
We were in the midst of marshalled legions, six miles below Harper's 

(71) 



72 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Ferry, waiting our turn to cross on the pontoons over which troops 
were passing day and night into Virginia. Here our knapsacks 
arrived from Washington and we welconaed them for the clothing 
they contained. An opportunity was given for such of the 
Twenty-fourth as desired, to enlist in the regular army. Colonel 
Morrow feelingly discouraged the idea, giving good reasons for our 
remaining a " Volunteer," a name full of glory and honor. Not a man 
enlisted from our regiment. 

BACK IN OLD VIRGINIA — CAMP HENNESSY. 

Thursday, October 30. Our turn to cross the Potomac will come 
in two hours. Our sick are hastily forwarded to Washington by rail. 
The regiment was assembled and Chaplain Way invoked the guidance 
of the Lord of Hosts as we should move on in the holy cause of our 
country's rescue, and that our friends in far away Michigan may be 
permitted to welcome us to hearth and home when our task is done. 
Tents were struck, knapsacks slung and off we moved for the Potomac 




I^ Hi^IT^ r^^^ir^ 



CROSSING POTOMAC AT BERLIN, MD., ON PONTOONS, OCTOBER 30, i862. 



which was crossed to the tune of Yankee Doodle. This day our lady 
visitors left us, and as we moved up the Virginia bank, they stood on 
the opposite shore of the river waving a tearful adieu. 

Winding our way up the steep Virginia bank of the Potomac, we 
traversed once more the "sacred soil," as the Virginians boastingly 
termed the earth of that State. By the quickstep we made good time 



MARCH TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. 



73 



over excellent roads for about eight miles, passing through Lovettsville 
and about 9 o'clock, encamped in a field sheltered on two sides by 
pine woods. Our temporary home was named "Camp Hennessy," 
after Father Hennessy, of Detroit. Fires were built with Virginia 
rails, coffee made, and soon we slept again in Secessia. 

CAMP DUNCAN STEWART — RAIDING. 



Friday, October 31. In the afternoon, after being mustered for 
pay, we moved forward a couple of miles and pitched our tents in 
an orchard, the trees of which were loaded with the fruitage of the 
season. The location was called "Camp Duncan Stewart," after 
Detroit's generous citizen whom the mob was going to hano- at the 
war meeting on the Campus Martins, for his Unionism. 

The camp was on the farm of a man who, with several sons, was 
in the enemy's army. This fact becoming known to the brigade, 

in less than twenty 
minutes, a large straw 
stack was carried away 
by the armful for bed- 
ding, and all out-build- 
ings were stripped of 
vegetables and every- 
thing eatable, turkeys 
and chickens included, 
unless they roosted 
high. A guard soon 
ended the raiding and 
the plunder was ordered 
returned, but many a 
fowl with its neck 
wrung, and other booty 
were concealed beneath 
the men's blankets on 
which they were "resting" after their two mile march, when the 
searching detail passed around. The men justified their conduct on 
the ground that we were in a secession State, and that it was no worse 
than the enemy treated Union men. Right or wrong it was one of 
the evils that Virginia had brought upon herself when she left the 
Union. 




RAIDING A STRAW STACK. 



74 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

THE soldier's KNAPSACK. 

The soldier's knapsack forms an important part of his outfit. 
To him, it is like a trunk for the traveller, except he lugs it on his 
back or shoulders. With this filled with winter clothing, and with his 
shelter tent, blanket, three days' rations, canteen, belt, gun and sixty 
rounds of cartridges, each soldier has a load of burdensome weight. 
At the several halting places on the march, many articles of clothing, 
etc., were thrown away to lighten their burdens. Then each 
knapsack frequently contained articles presented by friends, — such as 
bibles, mirrors, brushes, and home souvenirs, not to mention half a 
dozen ambrotypes of as many of the "girls they left behind them." 
As the load, in weight a burden to a mule, is borne along amid the 
rays of a southern sun, article after article is tossed by the wayside, 
even the ambrotypes of all but the soldier's best girl. Carefully 
looking at each one of these, he thought 

" How happy he could be with either, etc." 

But as all these dear charmers are far away, he resolves no longer to 
make his back a traveling daguerrean gallery. So, selecting out the 
one of his best girl to keep, he says good-bye to the pictures of Miss 
Nettie and Miss Susan as they go humming down among the rocks 
or over into some stream. 

MARCH TO PURCELLSVILLE — CAMP TOWERS. 

Saturday, November i. Breaking camp at lo o'clock, we went 
twelve miles on the quickstep to Purcellsville, in Loudon County. It 
was our hardest march so far, excepting our rain march on Sunday 
last. We bivouacked in a fine grove of oak and walnut trees and 
called the place " Camp Towers." Sunday was a beautiful day which 
we enjoyed in our forest home. Colonel Morrow gave the men some 
good advice how to act in battle, and Surgeon Beech instructed us 
what to do in case we should be wounded, to prevent a loss of blood, 
saying that a bayonet could be run through a man almost anywhere 
without killing him, which braced up somewhat our expectations of 
human life. Some cannonading was heard towards Snicker's Gap, 
six miles away, and Company F was sent out on picket duty. During 
the afternoon, a council of war was held at a house near by. Generals 
McClellan and Burnside were present on the veranda in front, where 
they were observed by many for half an hour. We were ordered to 
keep under arms, but had a good night's rest. No more will the huge 



MARCH TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. 75 

baton flourish ahead of our band at guardmount and dress parade, our 
fife and drum majors having been sent home this day as unnecessary 
appendages. 

MARCHING THROUGH FAUQUIER COUNTY. 

The morning of Monday, November 3, found us in marching 
array again, this marching being a part of the soldier's business. We 
were kept standing by our guns until noon, when we marched seven 
miles with but one halt, to Snickersville at the foot of the Blue 
Ridge, halting in a cornfield for bivouac. 

Tuesday, November 4. Another march of six or seven miles 
brought us a mile southeast of Bloomfield. Lieutenant Flanigan led 
the regiment as Colonel Morrow was in command of the brigade. 
He organized his brigade staff by selecting Lieutenant D. V. Bell for 
acting assistant Commissary, and Lieutenant Whiting as Aide. 
General Gibbon Avas in command of a division. Scarcely an 
ablebodied man was seen hereabouts. The women were saucy 
secessionists, the young ladies singing secession songs. The raiding 
of flocks and poultry continues. The old regiments are more expert, 
but the new ones soon learn. 

On the 5th, the regiment moved rapidly about fifteen miles to 
Piedmont in Fauquier County, on the Manassas Gap railroad, the 
gap being seen clearly in the west. The roads were rough and rocky. 
We encamped near McClellan's headquarters and numerous signal 
rockets of lurid red, white and blue, were sent burning through the 
sky. Company D was sent on picket, the enemy's pickets being in 
view, as disclosed by their campfires. 

GUARDING THE WAGON TRAIN — COLONEL MORROW'S 
OLD HOME. 

On Thursday the 6th, the Twenty-fourth Michigan was detailed 
to guard the wagon train, while Colonel Morrow with the rest of the 
Iron brigade got an early start ahead. The corps this day marched 
by company front through fields; the artillery, baggage and 
ammunition trains moving in the road, thus guarded against an 
expected raid. Longstreet's corps of the enemy was at Warrenton, 
our destination, but it moved out as the Iron Brigade came in at 
5 o'clock. 

This is the town in which Colonel Morrow was born and sported 
in early boyhood. Directly facing the road by which he entered the 
town at the head of the Iron Brigade, stood the house in which he 

(6) 



je 



HISTORY OF THE T VVEt>JTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



spent his childhood hours. In yonder graveyard his mother lies 
buried. The town now is bitterly disloyal. Not a welcome voice 
was heard nor a Union flag displayed. All houses and buildings were 
closed and a few old secession flags fluttered in the northern- breeze. 
The Iron Brigade moved out on the Sulphur Springs road about a 
mile and went into camp. 




WARRENTON, VIRGINIA. 



TRIALS OF THE MARCH ^ — THE DESERTED HOME. 

All day the Twenty-fourth Michigan plodded along for eighteen 
miles in rear of the wagon-train, which was stretched out for several 
miles, halting at many intervals for the teams to get out of some 
axle-deep mire hole. Scarcely would one wagon get pried out ere the 
next driver would get his wagon stuck in the same place. The 
enemy's guerrillas got their work in on a part of the train far away 
from the Twenty-fourth, and destroyed some of the wagons. 

We passed through White Plains village early, the most dismal 
and forsaken looking town we ever saw — not a human soul, nor 



MARCH TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. "jy 

fence, nor house-shutter to be seen. Desolation reigned supreme, 
each house a veritable "Deserted Mansion." 

" No figure stirred to go or come. 
No face looked forth from open shut or casement; 

No chimney smoked; there was no sign of home, 
From parapet to basement. 

No dog was on the threshold, great or small. 
No pigeon on the roof, no household creature; 

No cat demurely dozing on the wall, 
Not one domestic feature." 



CAMP FLANIGAN — SHORT RATIONS. 

It was midnight ere we reached Warrenton, through which we 
passed by moonlight, moving on to a position near our brigade. 
Weary and footsore, each man dropped down upon the ground for a 
little rest, but awoke in the morning to find himself covered with 
snow. We were in a thick wood, and the place was named "Camp 
Flanigan." 

During our tarry here the regiment experienced its first 
dearth of food, being two days without bread or other eatables. 
Colonel Morrow returned to us, and every little while "hardtack" was 
yelled out through the camp in impatient tones. For some reason 
our supplies were not up. At the end of two days a grist mill was 
seized, our millers set to grinding, and rations of corn meal were 
provided. This was cooked into mush, hoe-cake, and in other ways, 
as each man preferred. It continued to snow, and a cold wind, with a 
dearth of rations and smoky tents, rendered this a most disagreeable 
camp. 

REMOVAL OF GENERAL McCLELLAN. 

Monday, November lo, 1862. General McClellan having been 
relieved ^from -'command of the army, took his farewell leave of the 
troops this day. T Each brigade was drawn up in line as he rode by 
with uncovered head, his staff following. A few rods behind them 
rode his successor. General Burnside, and staff. The retiring General 
was cheered by his old troops. Considerable discussion, in field and 
press, followed his deposition. There had not been entire harmony 
between him and the President and War Office, for many months. 
He had one plan and the Washington officials seemed to have 
another, at almost every stage of the war thus far. Politics entered 



78 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 




^^^fe" 



MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE B. McCLBLLAN. 

largely into the debate, and as our regiment had served under him 
only thirty days, it seems inappropriate to discuss the matter in 
this volume. 

He issued the following farewell address: 

Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, ) 
Camp near Rectortovvn, Va., Nov, 7, 1862. ) 

Officers and Soldiers of the Ar}?iy of the Potomac : 

An order of the President devolves upon Major-General Burnside the command 
of this Army. In parting from you, I cannot express the love and gratitude I bear to 
you. As an army you have grown up in my care. In you I have never found doubt 
or coldness. The battles you have fought under my command will probably live in 
our Nation's history. The glory you have achieved over mutual perils and fatigues, 
the graves of our comrades fallen in battle and disease, the broken forms of those 
whom wounds and sickness have disabled, the strongest associations which can exist 
among men, unite us by an indissoluble tie. We shall ever be comrades in supporting. 
the Constitution of our Country and the Nationality of its people. 

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, 

Major-General U. S. A. 

Some inconsiderate inferiors importuned him to ignore the 
President's order of removal and march his army on Washington. All 
such foolish proposals met with a most decisive rebuke in the above 
terse, appropriate and patriotic farewell, which can but command 
respect from friend and critic. 



MARCH TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. 79 



DRAWING AND COOKING RATIONS. 

As at home, so in the army, eating is an essential part of life. In 
new regiments, it is customary to have a cook for each company, who 
with an assistant is detailed to prepare food for the men. Several 
large sized camp kettles form part of their outfit in which they boil 
the beef, pork, beans, etc. When the order " Fall in for rations " is 
given, the men form in line with their tin cups and tin plates. The 
freshly cooked food is frequently all given out before some at the end 
of the line get any — the fault of the stupid miscalculations of the 
cook, how much to give each man, or of the selfish "hog" who 
usually manages to get a double share. Dissatisfaction results and 
the company's cook dies early. His history like his epitaph is brief. 
He is fired back into the ranks and a new system adopted. 

The orderly with a detail goes to the Regiment's Quartermaster 
and draws the company's rations of beef, pork, sugar, ground coffee, 
rice, etc., which are divided up in a more even way. The raw beef or 
pork is cut into pieces about the size of a tea cup, and then the men 
gather around the orderly or non-commissioned officer having the 
distribution in charge, like chickens around a hen, and as each man's 
name is called, he walks up and gets one or more day's rations, which 
he can cook to suit himself. If wasteful of his rations, he alone 
suffers. 

Cooking rations is another feature of army life. Sometimes the 
pork is fried in tin plates, sometimes, like the beef, a slice is stuck on 
the end of a ramrod and held over the campfire, a hardtack being 
usually held under in order not to lose any of the grease that melts 
out of it. Our bread is of cracker shape and thickness, about four 
inches square, and very hard — hence the name "hardtack." The 
boxes containing it frequently were marked " B. C." evidently the 
manufacturer's initials, but the soldiers insisted that it stood for 
" Before Christ," when the stuff must have been made. 

To make it palatable it is soaked a few minutes in cold water, 
which leavens it to a pulp, and we then fry it on our tin plates, with 
a slice of pork. Hot water has no effect on the hardtack except to 
make it tough like leather. The soldier fills his tin cup two-thirds 
full of cold water and puts in a spoonful of ground coffee. The cup 
is set over some coals and when it boils, his coffee is ready to drink. 
He sugars it, but as to milk and such luxuries, he bade farewell to 
these when he enlisted. And thus his meal is made, sometimes by a 
little fire he builds himself; at other times with his tentmates. 



8o HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Occasionally he has to eat his pork raw as there is no chance to cook 
it or boil his coffee. The soldier likes nothing better than his coffee ; 
without it he could not long endure field life. Only at times in camp 
"are the large kettles brought out for a beef soup to save the marrow 
and meat that adhere to the bones. But the cooking of his coffee 
and food is often attended with patience — frequently without it. 
Often as the soldier gets his coffee nearly boiled, or meat and 
hardtack nearly cooked, someone passes along and accidentally gets 
his foot upon the protruding end of the rails or sticks in the fire, and 
away goes the food onto the ground. 

The soldier's menu is made up as follows: 

Breakfast — Coffee, Hardtack, Pork. 

Dinner — Hardtack, Pork, Coffee. 

Supper — Pork, Coffee, Hardtack. 

An occasional beef ration takes the place of pork. He has plenty 
of sugar and salt. Occasional rations of rice and of beans are issued, 
which are boiled in their tin coffee cups. 

MARCHING SOUTHWARD — CAMP NALL — ARMY PROFANITY. 

Tuesday, November ii. The delayed provision trains arrived last 
night and this afternoon the army moved on southward under its new 
commander. Marching back to Warrenton, whose citizens viewed us 
with a morose and dogged sullenness, we continued eight miles south 
to Fayetteville — a place without a house — where we halted for several 
days, calling our abode "Camp Nail." 

Monday, November 17. Amid a snow and rain storm last night, 
we were ordered to fall out of our tents to draw three days* rations, 
and 9 o'clock this morning found the line again on the march. 
Crossing the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Bealton, we moved 
fifteen miles, and the next day ten miles further, into Stafford county. 
On the 19th we proceeded a mile and a half to Potomac Creek, a small 
stream', but bordered by very steep bluffs. Up the winding roadway 
the artillery and wagons were dragged by the weary teams, assisted by 
the soldiers. 

One driver, while urging his team up the hill, indulged in gross 
blasphemy and was overheard by our Chaplain giving orders to the 
Deity to do so and so. The good Chaplain believing this an occasion 
for the exercise of his duties, mildly asked the driver if he knew who 
it was that he was addressing, and received the reply, " Don't 



MARCH TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. 8 1 

propound any of your conundrums to me now." Profanity 

prevailed to a horrible extent in the army, as if necessary for 
emphasizing speech. The absence of woman's direct influence 
probably had something to do with this phase of army life. One not 
accustomed to the ungentlemanly habit, had to be very guarded not 
to indulge in it himself, so general was the practice. 



CAMP BLAIR — WONDERFUL COINCIDENCE. 

After sleeping all night in a drizzling rain, at 5 o'clock of the 20th, 
we pushed on up the slippery bank and through the red, clayey soil 
for three miles to Stafford Court House, one of the most ancient of 
the Old Dominion, and near which is the famous Stafford Hall, where 
General Robert E. Lee was born and reared. 

First encamping in an old corn field we soon pulled up for some 
woods nearer the Iron Brigade, and named the location "Camp Blair," 
after Michigan's war governor. Hardly were we in our tents, when 
a cold, severe rainstorm set in for all night. Fires could only be 
built by holding blankets over the fuel until the heat gained strength 
over the hostile elements. But neither tents nor fire were sufficient 
to protect from the storm, and all got drenching wet. 

Here the regiment learned of its second man's death since it left 
home — Roswell B. Curtiss of Nankin, Company C, who died at 
Harewood Hospital in Washington, D. C, ten days after leaving the 
regiment at Berlin, Maryland, of diphtheria induced by exposure on 
the fatal rain-march of Sunday, October 26. By a strange coincidence, 
Corporal O. B. Curtis of Company D, a month after the receipt of 
this news, after passing through the terrible tempest of battle, was 
taken wounded to Washington and placed on the same cot on which 
his cousin, the above comrade, had died. Name and family 
resemblance discovered the relationship to the physician and nurse, 
from whom were first learned the full particulars of his death. The 
Michigan papers confused their names, and the confused intelligence 
was the occasion of a discourse by President Tappan on the latter, in 
the chapel of Michigan University, which institution he had left for 
the war a few months before. Great was the surprise of Dr. Tappan, 
some months later, during the chapel exercises, as the supposed dead 
student soldier walked up the aisle to a seat, amid the stamping of his 
classmates. 



82 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 




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MARCH TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. 83 

CAMPS WARD AND CHANDLER — GUARDING RAILROAD. 

On Saturday afternoon, the 22d, the regiment marched seven 
miles and halted for three days at "Camp E. B. Ward," named after 
the Detroit citizen whom the mob of July 15 was going to hang on 
the Campus Martins for his Union sentiments. At this camp Captain 
William J. Speed was appointed Division Judge Advocate; Captain 
C. B. Crosby was seriously ill but loth to go home so long as he could 
do duty ; General Meredith, late Colonel of the Nineteenth Indiana, 
had been assigned to command the " Iron Brigade," and Lieutenant 
J. M. Howard, Jr., was promoted to Aide on his staff. 

Tuesday, November 25. The regiment was this day assigned to 
guarding about ten miles of the railroad from near Acquia Creek on 
the Potomac towards Falmouth on the Rappahannock, opposite 
Fredericksburg, with headquarters at Brooks' Station, about five miles 
from the Potomac. The location was upon Accaceek Creek, the old 
Indian names still prevailing in Virginia, and was called "Camp 
Chandler," after Michigan's great war senator. The companies 
guarded their respective sections of track. Company A being nearest 
to Acquia Creek, and each company in order as it appears on parade, 
the march, or in line of battle, which is as follows as to letter and 
number: 

A, 
I, 

For the next eleven days each company enjoyed camp life by 
itself and the men wondered if it was to be a permanent arrangement 
for the winter, as timber and good water were abundant. The 
locomotive " Government " had been brought down from Washington 
by boat and hauled trains of supplies to the legions of Union soldiers 
marshalled along the Rappahannock. Thanksgiving Day passed 
with the usual camp duties, but none of the good things the day 
brings at home. 

SAD EXPERIENCE AT BROOKS' STATION.^ 

On Friday, December 5th, the companies were relieved from 
duty on the railroad, gave up the huts and encampment houses they 
had built, to the relieving command, and assembled at Brooks' 
Station. The clouds poured down a heavy rain which changed to a 
freezing snow storm, the wind whistled shrilly over the hills in 
northern winter style. Every tree and twig was covered with ice, 



F, 


D, 


I, 


C, 


H, 


E, 


K, 


G, 


6, 


4. 


9. 


3, 


8, 


5, 


10, 


7. 



84 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

and much discomfort prevailed. The tent hospital was filled with 
pneumonia patients. It was hard thus to be sick in a field tent with 
none but men for nurses, and lying on a hard board or the ground. 
Colonel Morrow passed from one to another of the sick, cheering 
them with hopeful words. Efforts were made in vain by Colonel and 
Surgeons to secure a house for the sick until an application was made 
to General Meade, who was formerly connected with the " Lake 
Coast Survey" at Detroit, and acquainted with Colonel Morrow. He 
immediately dispersed a Court Martial and placed the building in the 
hands of our Surgeons, who removed our sick thereto. 

To the credit of Michigan soldiers, our regiment had thus far 
borne up bravely. But our days of trial as to disease and death were 
with us at Brooks' Station. That row of graves on yonder knoll told 
the sad story of our hardships here. The frozen earth that fell on 
their rough coffin-lids struck a pang to the hearts of loved ones in far 
away Michigan. Each was buried with appropriate religious and 
military customs, and their graves distinctly marked and enclosed. 
One boy was but seventeen years old. Sad indeed that one so young 
should have to die from hardship so far away from home and friends. 
Reader, if you have boys of that age, ask yourself how you would 
like to see them bear the burdens of soldier life far away from your 
fireside — to die from exposure and homesickness — and you begin to 
measure the hardships of war. 

At the firing of one funeral salute, a ball cartridge had been 
carelessly put into a gun, and Abraham Hoffman of Company H, was 
shot from shoulder to shoulder. 

Captain C. B. Crosby having resigned, started for home from this 
camp. Left sick at Detroit when the regiment took its departure, he 
rejoined it too soon. He made the fatiguing marches of the past two 
months when not fit to be in the field, and to save his life, the 
Surgeons insisted that he should resign, which he reluctantly did. 

BURIAL PARTY WAIT FOR A SOLDIER TO DIE — MARCH 
TO THE FRONT. 

On December 8, ex-Justice James Nowlin, of Romulus, of 
Company K, died of homesickness and general debility. He was 70 
years old but at his enlistment represented himself as 43 only. The 
regiment was under marching orders and Assistant Surgeon Collar 
told Quartermaster Bell that a coffin would be needed for Nowlin. 
Supposing the man was dead, his coffin was procured by the Quarter- 
master, and Lieutenant C. C. Yemans, with the Chaplain and burial 



MARCH TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. 



85 



party, arrived with it at the hospital at 9 o'clock at night, to bury him. 
His grave had been dug and all preparations made for a funeral — 
except the corpse. To the astonishment of the burial party they 
found the man still alive. At the end of two hours his spirit had 
taken its flight and the old man was buried at midnight with the usual 
honors of war. 

Soon after midnight on Tuesday morning, December 9, the 
regiment marched away from Brooks' Station to within five miles of 
the Rappahannock and on the loth moved two miles nearer and 
awaited orders to move forward into the impending battle. 




THE PERSIMMON TREE. 



CHAPTER V. 



Battle of Fredericksburg. 



THE SITUATION — HEROIC CHARGE OF THE SEVENTH MICHIGAN 

INFANTRY. 

UPON assuming command of the Army of the Potomac, 
General Burnside re-organized it into three grand divisions. 
General Sumner commanded the right (Second and Ninth 
Corps); General Franklin commanded the left (Twelfth and 
Sixth Corps); and General Hooker the center (Third and Fifth 
Corps). The Eleventh Corps under General Sigel u^as on the reserve. 

At this time, one part of the Confederate army was at Culpepper, 
and the other part in the Shenandoah Valley. Instead of interposing 
between these divided forces, Burnside started his army for Falmouth, 
nearly opposite Fredericksburg. When Lee discovered this 
movement, he united his forces at Fredericksburg. Before the 
pontoons arrived for Burnside to cross the river, Lee arranged his 
army along the hills in the rear of the city and strongly fortified the 
heights with earthworks. 

On both sides of the Rappahannock at this place, run well 
defined crests of hills. The northern are known as Stafford Heights, 
and are close to the river's margin. The southern are about a 
mile, more or less, back from the stream. The strongest position 
of this range is Marye's* Height, directly back of the city. 
Near its base is a sunken road, also a stone wall. Both the Height 
and the adjacent hills were defended with ranges of artillery. 

The pontoons arrived after much delay. On the night of 
December lo they were conveyed to the river bank and 149 pieces of 
Union artillery placed along Stafford Heights. The laying of the 
pontoons was begun early on the morning of the nth. When 
discovered by the enemy, a deadly fire of musketr)'- from rifle pits and 
houses opposite compelled the workmen to stop. The Federal 
batteries bombarded the city and fired it in several places. The bridge 

(S6) 



* Pronounced Maree's 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 



8r 



building was renewed several times, but each time without success, 
the enemy's bullets being too deadly for the pontooneers. The Union 
artillerists could not depress their guns so as to reach the rifle pits. 
Burnside resolved to send over a storming party, in boats, to disperse 
the enemy's riflemen. 

Colonel N. J. Hall volunteered to attempt the heroic deed, saying 
that he had a Michigan regiment that would perform the task. Five 
minutes later away dashed the gallant Seventh Michigan Infantry 
down the river bank. Jumping into the boats, they pulled for the 




MAJOR-GENERAL AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE. 



opposite shore — a heroic act that brought cheers from the other 
soldiers, and waving of handkerchiefs from some lady spectators on 
the blufT. Volleys from the enemy's rifle pits produced their deadly 
work. The Union guns on the Heights played upon the houses in 
front, and the occasion became intensely grand. A landing was 
effected and up the bank swept that heroic band, capturing as many 
prisoners as the storming party numbered. And thus in twenty 
minutes a handful of Michigan men, by a dash of bravery, 
accomplished what ten hours and tons of artillery metal had failed to 
do. This gallant deed added new honor to the already lustrous record 
of Michigan troops. 



88 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

"Dark rolled the Rappahannock's flood, 

Michigan, my Michigan. 
The tide was crimsoned with thy blood, 

Michigan, my Michigan. 
Although for us the day was lost. 
Yet it shall be our proudest boast. 
At Fredericksburg our Seventh crossed, 

Michigan, my Michigan. 

After the Seventh Michigan had crossed, the boats were rowed 
back across the river to bring over the Ninteenth and Twentieth 
Massachusetts. The bridges were soon completed and a division 
passed over and occupied the town that night. 

ON THE LEFT — MARCHING TO THE FIELD — TAKING 
POSITIONS. 

The two bridges for FrankHn's grand division to cross, about a 
mile and a half below the city, were not completed till one o'clock on 
Thursday the nth. Some resistance was offered, but a few charges 
of canister caused the enemy to flee. Franklin sent a few troops 
over in the afternoon, but recalled them until the bridge opposite 
the City was laid. 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan arrived at the river with the Iron 
Brigade (General Meredith in command), on Thursday, December nth. 
While listening to the roar of the Union guns farther up the river, the 
paymaster arrived and paid the regiment the ever welcome two 
months' pay. Many entrusted their pay and allotment checks to 
Chaplain Way, to be forwarded to their friends at home. Some sent 
their last pay and wrote their last letters on that day. The regiment 
bivouacked for the night near the bridges. 

Early on Friday morning, the I2th, the bugles sounded and 
■drums beat, hardtack and pork being eaten, and hot coffee drank so 
hastily as to burn the throats of many. Ranks were formed and all 
made ready to move at command. The regiment moved to the right 
of the Iron Brigade, and closed column by division (two companies in 
a regimental division) on first division, where Colonel Morrow gave 
the men some good advice as to their behavior in the impending 
battle. He said Wayne County expected every man to do his duty — 
but his speech was cut short by one of General Meredith's Aides 
ordering him to move his regiment out at once. It was about noon 
when the Iron Brigade crossed the lower of the two bridges known as 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 



89 



Franklin's Crossing, and marched down the river about a mile, halting 
to allow some troops in front to maneuver into position. The long 
range of hills on which were planted the enemy's guns appeared 
in view. 

The Sixth Corps had preceded the First Corps across the 
pontoons and formed a line of battle parallel with the river and 
within half a mile of the enemy's position. General Gibbon's 
division of the Frst Corps joined on the left of the Sixth Corps, with 




FRANKLIN S CROSSING TO BATTLEFIELD OF FREDERICKSBURG. 

Meade's division on his left, and forming at right angles with 
Gibbon ; Meade's left resting on the river at Smithfield. Doubleday's 
division (in which was the Iron Brigade) formed in reserve in rear of 
Gibbon and Meade. 

The Iron Brigade was formed in column by companies closed 
£n masse on top of a slight elevation where their guns were stacked 
and ranks broken. The enemy soon discovered their position and 
trained their guns upon them, and dropped a few solid shot and shell 
squarely among them. The first one that struck in the Twenty-fourth 
caused some commotion, but did no damage. The Colonel told the 
men not to get excited, as lightning never struck twice in the same 
place. Immediately another shell exploded in closer proximity to 

him. "The h it don't" exclaimed a man in Company C, and all 

•were moved forward a short distance, off the crest, so as not to draw 



90 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



the fire of the enemy. This piece of merriment restored coolness. 
Moving further down the river, the Twenty-fourth bivouacked in a 
chestnut grove near the Barnard House where it remained without 
fires until morning. 

This house was a stately, ancestral stone mansion fronting the 
Rappahannock. Its owner, Mr. Barnard, was a full blooded F. F. V. 
Some Surgeons had taken possession of it for a hospital, against his 
protests. His word had long been authority thereabouts and he 




BARNARD'S MANSION. 



haughtily demanded of General Reynolds, its immediate evacuation. 
This ofificer was noted for his reticence and made no reply; but soon 
after, this proprietary nuisance was marching off in charge of a 
corporal's guard and caused no more annoyance. 

On Saturday morning, December 13, under cover of a dense fog, 
the Federal troops formed for the terrible contest, on the open plain 
in rear of the City and three miles below. Meade's division changed 
front, facing the enemy on the heights and extending the lines further 
down the river. Doubleday's division was formed at right angles 
with Gibbon, and as Meade's regiments moved forward and wheeled 
to the right into line of battle, Doubleday's division moved forward 
taking the place of Meade, the left of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
resting nearly on the river at Smithfield. It was a grand sight to see 
the troops, as far as the eye could reach, moving into their respective 



BATTLE OP^ FREDERICKSBURG. 9I 

positions with the regularity of clock work. Regiments with the 
alacrity of a company, brigades moving as a single regiment, formed 
for the terrible onset. 

About a mile back from the river was a range of hills which 
gradually lowered down to the level of the plain on the left of the 
battlefield. At the front of the range and nearly parallel with it ran 
the Richmond railroad. Nearer the river was the Bowling Green or 
old Richmond Stage road, between which and the river is a wide 
open plain. Some distance further down, the Massaponax creek runs 
into the Rappahannock. 

About nine o'clock the ball was opened by Reynolds' Corps (ist) 
with his center division under Meade, supported by Gibbon's Division 
on the right. Doubleday's division was in reserve on the extreme 
left. Meade and Gibbon, after a severe struggle, carried the first line 
of the enemy's works on the crest. In the dense wood their divisions 
lost connection, and the enemy getting a reverse fire upon Meade's 
flanks, both divisions retired from their mile of advance. Shortly 
after Meade's advance in the morning, Doubleday's Division was 
turned off a mile to the left to repel a menaced attack towards the 
Massaponax. 

MOVEMENTS OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH AND THE 
IRON BRIGADE. 

Early in the morning Battery B, Fourth U. S. Artillery, took 
position, and the Iron Brigade was ordered to support it. After a 
time the Twenty-fourth was formed by the right flank a short 
distance to clear the houses, and formed a line of battle, still facing 
south. While waiting to be ordered forward, some wounded from the 
center division were carried past, which severely tested the nerves of 
the men. One fellow had a crushed foot. Another, with both calves 
of his legs shot away, was breathing heavily and trying to conceal 
his agony. He said : " God bless you, boys. May He keep you from 
this terrible slaughter." 

The Iron Brigade was formed in column by regiments at the head 
of the division. The Twenty-fourth Michigan being a large regiment, 
its right wing was formed on the right of the brigade and its left 
wing in rear of the other wing. The other four regiments were 
formed in the rear with one hundred paces between each. In this 
manner the Iron Brigade moved forward half a mile to a ravine, when 
it was halted and the Twenty-fourth deployed into line, their left 
reaching the river, supported by the other regiments formed in 

(7) 



92 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



•column by division. At this time the enemy opened with artillery, 
but owing to a heavy fog his range was imperfect and there was no 
injury. 

Our skirmishers had now met those of the enemy, and the 
musketry indicated opposition to further advance. The Iron Brigade 
advanced across the ravine and a line of battle was formed with the 




Sixth Wisconsin on the left. Advancing some distance the skirmishers 
reported a force of cavalry and infantry concealed in a piece of pine 
woods skirting the river, immediately in front. The four center 
companies of the Twenty-fourth were broken to the rear and six of 
Battery B's guns planted in the space. They opened fire at once and 
shelled the woods. 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 93 

The Iron Brigade then advanced in two h'nes on the wood. In 
the first line were the Twenty-fourth Michigan and Seventh Wisconsin. 
In the second Hne were the Nineteenth Indiana and Second Wisconsin; 
the two lines being supported by the Sixth Wisconsin. The advance 
was preceded by some U. S. sharpshooters, whom the Twenty-fourth 
overtook at a fence and who refused to enter the woods. The captain 
of the sharpshooters called on the Twenty-fourth " to kick his men 
■over the fence," and move ahead into the woods, which it did, as 
General Doubleday said, " in gallant style, taking a number of 
prisoners and horses." This division commander further said: 

In this affair my attention was particularly called to the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan Volunteers, a new regiment for the first time under fire. I was pleased to 
see the alacrity and courage with which they performed the duty assigned them. 

The thorough drill of the Twenty-fourth thus won for it this 
praise, its alignment being straight as an arrow and winning the 
admiration of the whole division. In passing through the wood it 
proved to be a very strong position intersected with ravines and 
covered with undergrowth, while fortifications and masked batteries 
were arranged to sweep the river a long distance. 

After some further advance toward the Massaponax, the Iron 
Brigade changed front, and forming to the right in an open field with 
a ravine running through it, held a line running parallel with the 
Bowling Green road. While there, one of our batteries crossed the 
ravine, and opened fire on the enemy's batteries. In a short time, 
orders came for the Twenty-fourth to advance and support the 
battery. It marched to the ravine. Some lay down in a ditch, 
others in water, the shot and shell whizzing over their heads as thick 
as hail from batteries on the right, left and center, which filled the air 
and ploughed the earth around. The artillerists were wounded and 
reduced. A call was made for volunteers to man the guns, and 
immediately privates Seril Chilson and Abram F. Burden of D, and 
Sullivan D. Green of F, stepped to the front and worked with the 
battery the rest of the day. 

OUR FIRST CASUALTIES — DRILL ON THE BATTLE-FIELD. 

Soon after, the Twenty-fourth formed on the open brow of the 
hill again, fully exposed to the belching fire of the enemy's guns. It 
was about 4 o'clock. The regiment soon found shelter again in the 
friendly ditch, but not before sustaining its first losses in action. A 
solid shot cut off the arm of John Bryant, and instantly killed 



94 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 




Louis Hattie by severing his 
head from his body. Both be- 
longed to Company I. Young 
Hattie was but eighteen years 
old, and the favorite of the regi- 
ment. The casualty was soon 
known along the line and 
created some unsteadiness in 
the execution of orders. It 
was a most trying moment as 
the cannon balls ploughed 
through the ranks, and shells 
shrieked like demons in the air. 

Colonel Morrow saw the 
wavering lines and was quick 
to discern that no troops would 
long stand in such a fire unem- 
ployed, without the privilege 
of returning a single shot. To' 
bring the men to themselves he 
halted the regiment and put it 
through the manual of arms 
drill. His sonorous orders: 
"Attention, battalion! Right 
dress ! Front ! Support arms,, 
etc." were heard over the field,, 
and with all the precision of a 
parade, the orders were obeyed. 
It was a glorious sight to see 
nearly a thousand men standing 
at a "support arms," while the 
air was torn with cannon balls 
and the very hills seemed to 
rock under the reverberations. 
This drill showed admirable 
discipline, and was creditable 
to men and Colonel. 

The Twenty-fourth again 
found shelter in the ravine 
ditch. But soon after, to meet 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 95 

some demonstrations from a supposed cavalry attack, it was moved 
back toward the wood and formed square to resist cavalry. Meanwhile 
Battery B was sent to contend with two batteries and soon silenced 
them. The Iron Brigade would have captured them, but the attack 
of Meade and Gibbon had failed, and the enemy, with loud yells, was 
following back these divisions. The Iron Brigade was moved by the 
right flank to ward off this danger, but the work was done by other 
troops. In this movement a cannon shot took off the head of David 
Reed of B, and wounded several others. 

The enemy had the range again with fatal effect. A fence was 
in the regiment's front with ditches on each side. Colonel Morrow 
gave orders to lie down. The men went into the ditch with a plunge 
pell-mell, oflficers and men alike. It was well they did so for they 
were under a terrible crossfire. Remaining there till about dark, 
another order came to move by the left flank to a position that would 
be under cover of some woods, where it was supposed they would be 
out of the reach of the enemy's guns. The most of the Iron Brigade 
was behind a ditch running from the Bowling Green road to the wood 
on the river bank. In the last movement of the Twenty-fourth a 
single shot took off the heads of Lieutenant David Birrell and three 
others : killing also another and wounding three more, all in 
Company K. 

The Twenty-fourth regiment lay down in the woods on the left 
of the line, and the grape flew lively over the tree tops. In a short 
time, they marched back again to the fence where they lay on their 
arms in the ditch all night, the enemy from several pieces of artillery 
continuing to hurl canister over their heads far into the night. 

It was the regiment's first fight. Nobly had it stood the fiery 
ordeal of its bloody baptism without the poor privilege of returning 
an answering shot. It had won honor for itself and old Wayne 
County, but sorrow filled every breast. It was truly a mournful 
event when the Captain of Company K, that night, searched for the 
trunkless head of his son upon the battlefield, Avhile the canister was 
whistling above him, and placed it with the young boy's remains for 
burial ! Lieutenant Birrell and the latter. Sergeant Wallace W. Wight 
had slept together the night before and laid plans for the day's 
contest. Alas, for human hopes! their dreams of youth were brief and 
they again slept side by side, in bloody graves. 



96 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



ON THE FEDERAL RIGHT — CHARGE OF THE IRISH BRIGADE. 

The attack by Sumner on the extreme right began about ir 
o'clock, when his forces deployed from the city over the plain and up 
the elevation in front of Marye's Height, but without avail. The 
whole field was swept so effectually by converging crossfires from 
batteries along the semi-circular crest, that a chicken could scarcely get 
through alive. It seemed folly to march men up into such a vortex 
of death — a movement which every soldier and officer except the 
Commander, believed to be useless. Three unsuccessful attempts 
had been made to scale these Heights, yet Burnside insisted 
" That crest must be carried to-night," a resolve born of desperation,, 
not of judgement or good generalship. 

Soon after, loud cheers were heard at the front ; not the " rebel 
yell," but from the proud ranks of Thomas Francis Meagher's Irish 
Brigade. With sleeves rolled up, bearing aloft the green flag of Ireland 
and the Star Spangled Banner, they moved upon the stone wall in 
that valley of death. For several minutes not a gun was fired on 
either side. It was a forlorn hope and the desperate charge was 
beheld with interest and wonder by friend and foe. As they neared 
the vortex of death, a hundred guns opened upon them. Closing up 
their ranks, they double-quicked for the Heights, but vain task! with 
fearful loss the gallant charge was a failure. 

Next, Hooker was ordered in. Surveying the field and consulting 
those who had preceded him in the attempt he spurs his horse 
back to Burnside and urges him to cease the attack. But the latter 
insists, and Humphrey's division, with empty muskets, 4,000 strong,, 
formed for the charge. In half an hour, 1,800 of them lay dead and 
wounded on that bloody plain. Darkness dropped its curtain on the 
tragic contest. Far better had the bloody efforts ceased after the first 
assault disclosed the impregnability of the enemy's position, and the 
fearful slaughter that followed would have been averted. 

That night was very cold, and mortal can never know the agony 
and suffering of the wounded on that crimsoned field. No aid could 
reach them that night nor the next day, and as the dead stiffened, they 
were rolled into heaps to protect those still living. A woman residing 
near the scene said the field at night was blue, but the next morning 
it was white, as the dead had been stripped of their clothing by the 
enemy. Burnside resolved to renew the fight the next morning> 
leading his old Ninth Corps himself, but the unanimous voice of his- 
Generals prevailed against it and the tragedy was ended. 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 97 

AFTER THE BATTLE — COMMENTS. 

Returning to the Iron Brigade: by the blunder of an Aide, 
General Meredith was relieved by Colonel Cutler of the Sixth 
Wisconsin, who slightly changed the line of the Twenty-fourth to 
avoid an enfilading fire. The Seventh Wisconsin was on its left and 
the other regiments in a second line 200 paces in the rear, which 
position was occupied during Sunday and Monday. During this time 
a portion of the Twenty-fourth was sent to the front on picket. 
There was sharp skirmishing but no engagement, and at intervals a 
brisk cannonading from the enemy's batteries. Their position was a 
strong one upon hills covered with a thick growth of wood, protected 
in front and flank by creeks, marshes and almost impenetrable 
underbrush. The whole was armed with batteries, ready to repel 
any effort to storm their stronghold. 

On Monday the 15th, General Franklin desiring to know the 
location and force of the extreme right of the foe, gave Colonel 
Morrow permission to make a reconnoissance to the Massaponax. In 
full view of the enemy, with Companies C and I and a few of E, he 
performed the task which resulted in much valuable information. 
The movement was hazardous, as they pushed nearly to the enemy's 
lines and might have been made prisoners easily. The Colonel and 
men received the thanks of General Franklin on the field for their 
work. 

On Monday the dead of the Twenty-fourth were gathered and 
the last sad rites performed. They were buried near where they fell, 
near the banks of the Rappahannock, on the field yet red with their 
blood. At half-past nine on Monday night, amid a rain storm, 
silently and secretly, not above a breath, came the order to pack up 
and be ready to move. At midnight, leaving the battle ground 
behind, and having placed pine boughs on the pontoon bridges to 
prevent the rumble of moving artillery, they quietly re-crossed the 
river at a quickstep, and moved up the hill which they had lately 
descended so full of hope. On Tuesday morning the whole Union 
army was safely on the north bank of the river without the loss of 
a gun. 

In the recent battle the Union army numbered 113,000 men, and 
the Confederate 78,500. The Union loss in killed, wounded and 
missing, was 12,653 ! the Confederate loss, 5,377. The common voice 
of mankind will condemn such sacrifice without any gain. Within 
five weeks after a change of commanders this army lost nearly as 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 99 

many in action as was its total loss in action on the Peninsula. Yet, 
we do not wholly censure Burnside for the result. He protested that 
he was not equal to the command when it was forced upon him. The 
newspaper generals, too, must share the responsibility for a public 
sentiment which demanded that an end be put to a so-called 
" inactivity and delay," utterly regardless of all preparations of the 
army and essential conditions for success. It was Bull Run re-enacted. 
The new commander must fight a battle or suffer reproach and 
contumely from "shin-toasters" at home firesides. He fought and 
failed. Most generously did he assume all the responsibility, which 
somewhat blunted the keen edge of criticism. 

His plan of massing on the strongest point of the enemy was a 
tried military tactic. Greater generals had tried it, and both failed 
and succeeded. By it Napoleon won his victories ; yet it failed him 
at Aspern and Waterloo. By it Austerlitz, the Bridge of Lodi, and 
Wagram were won ; and later, Magenta and Solferino. Lee adopted 
it at Malvern Hill and Gettysburg and lost. Burnside had used it at 
Roanoke and Newbern and won. His heart was in the cause for 
which he fought, whatever his error in judgment or execution. It 
is idle to speculate on what might have been. Defeated and 
despondent, the army resumed its position on the north bank of the 
Rappahannock. 

LOSSES OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

* The following were killed on the battle-field : 

Second Lieutenant David Birrell, Company K. 

David Reed, B James R. Evving K 

Louis Hattie I John Litogot, K 

Sergeant Wallace W. Wight, . K Francis Pepin K 

The following were the wounded : 

Captain William A. Owen, in spine, by concussion of shell, G 
First Lieutenant Charles A. Hoyt, in leg, " " C 

Second " H. Rees Whiting, " " " A 

Second " F. Augustus Buhl, in arm, by shell, B 

Sergeant Robert A. Bain, arm amputated, K 

Sergeant George W. Fox, in shoulder K 

Corporal Daniel McPherson, in hand C 

Corporal Orson B. Curtis, D, lost left arm fighting in Third 
Brigade, Second Division, Second Army Corps, while 
on his way from the hospital at Brooks' Station to find 
his regiment, by consent of Assistant Surgeon Charles 
C. Smith. 

Corporal John Tait, in shoulder, G 

Private John Bryant, arm amputated I 

Private Fernando D. Forbes, in shoulder, K 



lOO HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Charles Willaird, wrist, ... A Bristol A. Lee, hand, . . . C 

Clark Davis, head, B Abraham Velie, arm, .... C 

George H. Graves, arm, . . . B Robert D. Simpson, shoulder, H 

The following were taken prisoners: 

Corporal Benjamin F. Buyer, F 

Corporal Irwin W. Knapp, F 

Corporal Royal L. Potter, F 

Oliver M. Moon, D Daniel D. Webster, F 

John Southard E Edward L. Farrell, H 

Edward Tracy, E Albert Ganong, K 

The following were missing: 

Arnold Stowell, H Alexander J. Eddy, I 

Sujnmary : Killed, 7; wounded, 18; prisoners, 9; missing, 2. Total, 36. 

The other regiments of the Iron Brigade lost as follows: 

Second Wisconsin, 11 Seventh Wisconsin, 12 

Sixth Wisconsin, 4 Ninteenth Indiana, 6 



COMPLIMENTS — MARCH TO BELLE PLAIN. 
A Detroit Free Press correspondent said : 

Let me record for our children, and our children's children, that the regiment 
which Wayne county raised in little more than ten days has, on its first field, fully 
sustained the honor of its State and added glory to the already bright record 
emblazoned upon the banners of other Michigan regiments. 



The day after the battle, General A. P. Hill sent in a flag of 
truce with which he sent his compliments to General Doubleday in 
admiration of the unyielding front maintained by his division, and 
that he never saw troops stand such a shelling in his life. The 
Confederate truce officer inquired, " What regiment of blue breeches 
was that .which withstood so gallantly the terrible enfilading fire of 
his batteries the evening before?" He was told that it was the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan. 

On December 19, General Meredith wrote to Colonel Morrow: 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan behaved splendidly under a terrific and continuous 
artillery fire, calculated severely to test the oldest and best disciplined troops, proving 
themselves worthy of association with the Iron Brigade, and it affords me pleasure to 
say that the compliments paid the regiment for their gallantry on that occasion are 
well deserved. 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 



lor 



In his official report General Meredith also'said : 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan is a new regiment, having never before been 
under fire. They showed themselves worthy of the praises they have received. 
Their line of battle upon entering the woods was splendid, showing both courage and 
discipline. 




GENERAL ABNER DOUBLEDAY, COMMANDER OP 
FIRST DIVISION FIRST CORPS. 



General Doubleday in his official report said : 

Colonel Morrow's regiment led the advance and carried the woods in gallant 
style, capturing many prisoners and horses. In this affair my attention was 
particularly directed to this regiment, which had never before been under fire, and I 
was pleased to see the courage and alacrity with which they performed the duty 
assigned them. * * * The enemy were pressing hard upon my center, evidently 
with an intention to break it, and I used all the means within my power to strengthen 
that portion of my line. But there was no danger. The men stood as if rooted to the 
spot and though suffering severely from the enemy's canister they did not yield an 
inch of ground. 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan made a good appearance in this their first 
engagement. They were exceedingly anxious to go always to the front, and, resting 
upon our hard earned laurels, we were generously willing they should do so. But 
there was little choice of place on that open plain. No soldiers ever faced fire more 
bravely, and they showed themselves of a fibre worthy to be woven into the woof of 
the Iron Brigade. Colonel Morrow was equal to all requirements, enterprising, 
brave, and ambitious, he stepped at once into a circle of the best and most 
experienced regimental commanders in the Army of the Potomac. — General Dawes' 
Service with Sixth Wisconsin. 

And thus Colonel, [officers and men behaved most nobly. 
Quartermaster Bell was on the field every day with rations for the 
men, an exposure to danger rarely made by his class. 



102 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Previous to the late battle, the older regiments of the Iron 
Brigade refused all sociability with our regiment, regarding us with 
aversion and studiously keeping out of our camp. But its noble 
conduct on this occasion entirely destroyed this exclusiveness and 
the greatest cordiality ever after prevailed. 

While in camp opposite Fredericksburg, after the battle, the 
regiment received an agreeable visit of three days from Mr. Stanley G. 
Wight of Detroit, a brother of Captain Edwin B. Wight. He was a 
stanch friend of the regiment and during its recruitment period, 
contributed liberally in its behalf. After remaining in camp four 
•days at this place, the regiment with the Brigade, on Saturday, 
December 20, moved towards Belle Plain. It marched about ten 
miles and bivouacked, after wandering about some time on the wrong 
road. On the morning of the 23d, they moved on to within a mile of 
Pratt's Landing on the Potomac, near Belle Plain, and began building 
winter cabins. 

LETTER OF CHAPLAIN WILLIAM C. WAY. 

Camp Isabella, near Belle Plain, ) 
Stafford Co., Va., Dec. 31, 1862. ) 

The hour and circumstances are indeed solemn. It is almost midnight and all 
is still save the sound of the mournful wind, whose wintry moans are a fit requiem 
for the dying year — full of interest and sorrow. It has borne many a brave form to 
the grave and his spirit to the changeless shores of eternity. Its now dimmed eye 
has witnessed the tear of anguish as it has coursed from the cheek of father, mother, 
brother, sister, wife and child, because of the fates of war that have carried sorrow to 
their once happy home. Some stirring scenes and changes have occurred in the 
Twenty-fourth. Some of our noble boys sleep in honored graves, fallen in defense of 
our nation's ensign. 

In camp here we have buried two of our men, Joseph Gohir and Marcus G. 
Wheeler of Company F. Exposure for two nights on the battlefield without blankets, 
has multiplied our sick. We have for hospital use, a log house and two large tents, 
with stoves, and straw for bedding, but a lack of proper remedies and food. It is 
hard for a well man to live on hardtack; much more a sick one. It is almost 
impossible to get delicacies and medical stores, and the lives of our men are often 
sacrificed for want of them. 

The Twenty-fourth won its spurs in the late battle and has a right to wear the 
Black Hats of the "Iron Brigade," the only entire brigade that wears them, and the 
old regiments say that they can now swear by the Twenty-fourth. A rebel force was 
concealed in a clump of woods, and Colonel Morrow was given permission to "clean 
out the nest." An Aide said to General Doubleday: " This regiment has never been 
under fire." Colonel Morrow hearing the remark, replied: "That is immaterial, Sir, 
we will take the wood," and they did. Then General Doubleday rode up to Colonel 
Morrow and said: "lam satisfied. Your regiment has behaved most splendidly." 
Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan proposed three cheers for the General, which were 
heard above the din of battle. 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. IO3 

A piece of shell struck Captain C. A. Hoyt on the knee, causing a painful 
contusion. Being advised by the Colonel to retire, he replied: " No, Sir, I have been 
trying to regard this as a wound, but it won't do. I must try again." Lieutenant C. 
C. Yemans performed the duties of Acting Adjutant for forty-eight hours on the 
battlefield. Corporal Silas H. Wood of I, Sergeant Wm. B. Hutchinson of F and 
Sergeant William Murray of I distinguished themselves by acts of bravery. The 
instances of individual acts of bravery are numerous. " Right dress" has l?ecome a 
byword in camp since the manual of arms exercise of the regiment under the terrific 
artillery fire. Many hairbreadth escapes and heroic incidents are related around the 
campfires. 

Memory will carry many of us back to-morrow to other days when peace and 
prosperity blessed the land, and thousands of brave men who have voluntarily 
estranged themselves from home were enjoying the gain of their industry with their 
families on New Year's day. With a wish that our friends at home may have a 
happy New Year, I wrap my blanket around me and lie down to rest as soldiers do. 

WILLIAM C. WAY, Chaplain. 

RESIGNATIONS — PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 

During the closing days of the year, several officers of the 
Twenty-fourth resigned, each for sufficient reasons. Before the 
regiment started for Belle Plain, after the battle, Major Henry W. 
Nail left it on sick leave to go to Baltimore Hospital. His health 
was so precarious from arduous service in the Peninsula Campaign,, 
that both himself and some of the officers of the regiment believed he 
would never return, and their expectations were well founded. 
Captain Edwin B. Wight was immediately appointed Acting-Major 
and eventually succeeded to the full majority after the death of 
Major Nail, a few months later. The following officers resigned 
about this time: Captains James Cullen, Isaac W. IngersoU and 
Warren G. Vinton; and Lieutenants John M. Gordon and John J. 
Lennon. The resignation of Captain Vinton was against his .wishes, 
but in compliance with the advice and assurance of the Surgeon that 
his life depended upon his retirement from the exposures of the field. 
He had shown great zeal and sacrifice of business and money in the 
organization of the regiment, and was loth to leave it, and utterly 
refused to do so until after its first engagement. 

During the fall and closing months of 1862, the Western Armies 
had not been inactive. During August, the general operations of the 
main armies, east and west, were in favor of the South. On 
September 16, the Confederates captured 4,000 Union prisoners at 
Mumfordsville, Kentucky. But on the 19th and 20th, General 
Rosecrans defeated the Confederates with great loss at luka, 
Mississippi. On October 3d, the Confederates were defeated with 
great loss at Corinth, Mississippi. The Confederate Army in the 



104 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



West pushed headlong for Louisville, while Lee was invading 
Maryland, but was compelled to retreat, during which a bloody battle 
was fought at Perry ville, Kentucky, when it was forced to resume its 
retreat south. 

On December 31st, the battle of Murfreesboro, or Stone's River, 
in Tennessee, commenced with a Federal repulse. The battle was 
continued with great slaughter on both sides the two following days. 
But on January 3d, the Southern Army retreated. Of the many 
minor engagements east and west, we shall attempt no mention, as 
they are without the scope and object of this volume. The Union 
losses only stimulated the iron resolution of the North which showed, 
amid its reverses, an unfaltering spirit to furnish whatever was 
required for success, in men and money. 




CHAPTER VI. 



Winter Qjjarters at Belle Plain, 



EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION — CAMP ISABELLA — 
ARMY 'cabins. 

^^^^URING the reverses in the summer of 1862, President 
^^^^ Lincoln took a vow that if Providence would bless the 
^^^^ Union arms with an important victory he would exercise the 
war powers of the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army 
and emancipate the slaves. Accordingly, after the brilliant victories 
of South Mountain and Antietam in September, he issued a warning 
proclamation to the Confederate States in rebellion, that unless they 
returned to their allegiance within one hundred days, he would declare 
every slave free within the borders of districts still in rebellion on 
January i, 1863. He was punctual to his warning and issued such 
proclamation, declaring all slaves forever free in such States and parts 
of States as were still in arms against the Union. 

Prior to the firing upon Fort Sumter there was no disposition in 
the North, except with a few harmless abolitionists, to disturb the 
slave conditions of the South — certainly not by the Democratic 
party, while the Republican party had ever disavowed any interference 
— their doctrine simply being limitation of slavery within its then 
existent borders. But when the South rent the Union and drenched 
our land with blood in slavery's behalf, abolitionism became less 
odious. One battle is sufficient to educate and convert a nation to 
an idea, and as regiment after regimeut of Northern soldiers left for 
the South, thousands of them never to return, there was but little 
opposition in the North to the action of the President. Some 
discussion was excited, but it gradually died out in approval of his 
course. 

Camp Isabella, named after the Colonel's wife, who brightened 
camp life by her genial presence during the winter, was to be the 
home of the Twenty-fourth Michigan for the next four months. It 

(105) 



io6 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



was situated upon the side of a steep knoll or bank of one of the 
numerous ravines that break up the surface of the country around, so 
that no level camping ground could be found. It was about three 
miles from Belle Plain where Potomac Creek enters the larger river of 
that name, and whose expanse can be seen from the camp. Upon 
arrival here the men began to build winter habitations with material 
from the neighboring woods. 

These army cabins had a variety of style. Some were dug out of 
the steep bank; others made of small logs. They were about eight 
by ten feet in size and five feet high, with shelter tents for roof and 
gable coverings. The hillsides furnished good fiire-places, which were 




HEADQUARTERS OP THE "TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN" AT CAMP ISABELLA, BELLE PLAIN, VA., 
DURING WINTER OF 1868-3. — SKETCHED BY H. J. BROWN, OF " TWENTY- FOURTH MICHIGAN." 



finished with stone, and had mud and stick chimney. The spaces 
between the logs were plastered with mud which soon hardened. 
The hard ground answered for a floor, while bedsteads were fashioned 
from poles covered with pine and cedar boughs. The beds served for 
chairs and knees for tables. A bed was constructed on each side of 
the cabin, and the space between was kitchen, sitting-room and parlor 
in one. A hardtack box served for a pantry, and such was the 
soldiers' winter quarters. A bayonet stuck in the ground with a 
candle on top served for lighting the humble abode, which was usually 
occupied by three or four comrades. Here the soldier cooked, ate, 
slept, and passed his time when other duties permitted, waiting for 
the activities of the army in the spring. 



WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAL\. I07 

SHODDY CONTRACTORS— HOME SOUVENIRS — PROMOTIONS. 

Friday, January 2, 1863, found many sick in camp. There was 
much suffering for want of food and clothes, largely the fault of 
rascally' government contractors and inspectors who were usually in 
collusion to force upon soldiers articles of shoddy make-up and 
material. The shoes frequently had for soles scraps and 
shavings of leather, glued or pasted together, which went to pieces in 
one day's march in mud or rain. Their pantaloons and other clothing 
were soon in shreds or " out all around," because of shoddy material. 
As a result of this swindling the hospitals were filled with victims to 
exposure. These rascals did more to weaken the army by sickness 
and disease than battle casualties. Had one of these rascals been 
occasionally hanged or shot for this worse than treasonable conduct, 
it would have been as justifiable as shooting some boy deserter who 
was perhaps prompted to become such by' sufferings caused by these 
rascals. But such severity of punishment was always reserved for the 
humble rank and file who cannot resign to evade punishment. 

On Monday the 5th, Generals Doubleday and Wadsworth 
reviewed the division, and the next day in a cold rain Companies A, 
D and F were sent on picket. Others took their turn at this duty 
during the winter. 

Saturday the loth, was a gala day in camp. > Lieutenant-Colonel 
Flanigan had arrived with three wagonloads of boxes from home. 
They contained cakes, gloves, shoes and a variety of parcels, which 
were opened with eagerness before a crowd of envious gazers. Some 
touching messages came also. One read, *' We are all well but with 
sorrowing hearts. Mother wept for three days after the battle till she 
heard that you were safe, but now she is anxious for tidings of our 
two brothers from the bloody field in Tennessee (Stone's River)." 
Several boxes of sanitary stores came for the hospital, and the appeal of 
the Colonel in early winter for gloves for the men was cheerfully met. 
On Sunday the iith, the regiment was formed in a hollow square 
to witness the promotions to vacancies caused by the recent 
resignations. The favored ones were called to the center and briefly 
addressed by the Colonel who then gave each his commission. First 
Lieutenants Rexford and Hoyt, and Second Lieutenant O'Donnell 
became Captains; Second Lieutenants Buhl and Safford, and Sergeant- 
Major Edwin E. Norton became First Lieutenants, while Sergeants 
Witherspoon, Hutton, Dempsey and Humphreyville became Second 
Lieutenants. Cheers went up for the new officers on reaching camp. 

(8) 



I08 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



THE FUNERAL IN CAMP. 

The death angel continued to call at the hospital for those who 
were sick and far from the endearments of home friends. Sergeant 
Herbert Adams of H, and Charles D. Hoagland of K, were summoned 
to their final discharge early in the new year. A funeral in camp is a 
solemn affair. Though inured to death on the battle-field, the soldier 
who died in camp was mourned for as if a neighbor at home, by his 
comrades, and sympathy was shown a friend or relative who might be 
present. He died far away from mother, or wife and children. No 
hand of womanly affection smoothed his pillow, but his comrades did 
for him what they could and gave him a soldier's burial. 

In his uniform of blue, he was placed in a plain, rough cofifin and 
sometimes in his blanket only. Over his remains were hung the stars 
and stripes. The solemn procession, headed by the Band with 
muffled drum, commenced its slow march to the grave. The solemn 
strains were borne away upon the chilling breeze. With reversed 
arms, his comrades followed and halted at the lonely grave. Amid 
silence the Chaplain performed his sacred duty. Prayer was ofTered 
and "Ashes to Ashes" were the words heard as the clods fell upon 
the lowered coffin. Volleys were fired as a salute to the dead and the 
departed comrade was left in peace. 

"The muffled drum's sad roll has beat the Soldier's last tattoo ; 
No more on Life's parade shall meet the brave and fallen few, 
On Fame's eternal camping ground his silent tent is spread, 
And Glory guards, with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead." 

His marches and fatigues are over, no more will he respond to 
awakening notes of reveille. There is sorrow in camp and at home. 
May the Great Comforter heal those hearts which bleed at the 
bereaved Michigan fireside. If a son, fond parents will mourn the 
vacant chair of him who sleeps for the flag in rebellion land. If a 
father, hear the leaves rustle and winds moan about yonder cabin 
door. Over the cheerless hearth within, a woman weeps and a 
sympathizing group anxiously ask why mamma weeps so, and why 
papa don't come home. 

"Alas ! Nor wife, nor children more shall he behold, 
Nor friends, nor sacred home." 



WINTER, QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN. IO9 

WINTER CAMP EVENTS — ABORTIVE MOVEMENT. 

On the i6th, news came of the fate of some of the missing in the 
late battle. Having sought a better sleeping place the night of the 
withdrawal, they were astonished the next morning to find the field 
-deserted, and were soon after hailed by the " Greybacks" to lay down 
their arms. They were taken to Richmond where, for twenty-three 
days they put up at the " Libbey House," when all were exchanged 
but Corporal Potter and Albert Ganong, who had died of typhoid 
fever. 

James F. Raymond, leader of the Band, was a brother of Honor- 
able Henry J. Raymond of the New York Times. The latter resolved 
upon a visit to his brother, and a telegram informed him that his 
brother's corps was at Belle Plain, but the operator put a final e to 
the word corps, and he at once started for his brother's supposed 
remains. Arriving at General Wadsworth's tent, a messenger was 
sent to Colonel Morrow, asking if James F. Raymond was dead. 
""You would not think so if you had heard him blowing his horn this 
afternoon," was the reply. The brothers met with mingled 
astonishment and happiness. 

The Colonel was determined that the Twenty-fourth should not 
be excelled in drill proficiency, and each permanent camp brought 
orders for a daily exercise in the tactics. The men were trained to 
know the several bugle calls of camp and the more important ones of 
■"advance" and "retreat" in battle. The policeing of the camp and 
sanitary habits of the men received close attention as well as their 
personal appearance. 

Divine worship was established and the Chaplain preached on 
Sundays as often as the elements and circumstances would permit. 
The several companies were drawn up in line, and such as were of 
a different worship were told to step out of the ranks, while the rest 
were marched to the " meeting ground," where a short discourse was 
preached by the Chaplain. When the elements precluded this 
exercise, the Chaplain supplied the men from tent to tent with 
reading matter. 

The shoddy contractors got in their work in poor rations no less 
than in shoddy clothing. Sometimes a piece of bacon encased in 
cloth canvas was so full of worms that the sack could be plainly seen 
in a continuous motion from the wriggling maggots within. Such 
offensive food was sent for the soldiers to eat. Boards of Review were 
occasionally appointed from the officers to condemn the wormy bread 
and bacon and decayed beef. 



no HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

About two weeks after the defeat at Fredericksburg, Burnside 
resolved upon another movement against the enemy, this time, severt 
miles down the river. The movement was to begin December 30,. 
but was abandoned by order of the President, who informed^ Burnside 
that his Generals were unanimous in declaring that the movement 
would end in disaster. Amazed at this revelation, of want of 
confidence in himself and yet aware that only a successful movement 
could restore to him the confidence of the army and country, he 
resolved, three weeks later, upon a mid-winter movement seven miles- 
above Fredericksburg. 

Accordingly, January 18, brought orders for several days' rations 
in haversacks and a movement against the enemy was announced 
with cheers. Before starting an order was read from General 
Burnside, dishonorably dismissing from the service, Lieutenant 
Kinney, for tendering his resignation while his regiment was under 
orders to meet the enemy and for expressing therein unsoldier-like 
and treasonable sentiments. 



MUD MARCH CAMPAIGN — BURNSIDE RETIRES. 

On January 20, began the famous " Mud March " of Burnside. 
Up to this time the roads had been good, but a deluging rainstorm 
swamped the whole Army which became stuck in the plastic mud- 
Pontoon wagons, artillery and caissons, and trains of all kinds plunged 
axle deep into the miry clay, whence they could be scarcely drawn by 
any effort of teams and men with ropes combined. All were 
besmeared with the adhering soil. The enemy opposite discovered 
the attempt and jocularly offered to "'come over and help build the 
bridges," The elements this time spared the President a prohibition 
of the movement. What might have been, but for these natural 
causes, it is idle to divine, as the enemy had massed his artillery and 
troops opposite for a desperate resistance. [For map of march see 
Chapter VII.] 

From a letter of Chaplain W. C. Way, we learn the movements 
of the Twenty-fourth Michigan on this famous march, as follows : 

The Twenty-fourth broke camp at noon on Tuesday, January 20, and marched 
towards Stoneman's Switch on the Acquia Creek railroad,' which we reached at 9 p. m., 
a distance of twelve miles. Toward evening it began to rain and when we hadi 
reached the railroad, it came down thick and fast. Amid storm and darkness the 



112 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

regiment filed into the woods and bivouacked for the night, pitching tents by the 
dim light of a distant campfire. Many, tired and exhausted, lay on the ground with 
nothing but a blanket and rubber to protect them, sleeping soundly till reveille. 
Soon all were astir, coffee made, the plain repast eaten, and soon in line of march 
forward — and such a march. The rain had made sad work with the roads, and we 
pushed forward through the fields, over ditches and streams whose banks were 
overflown, for four miles; when at i o'clock, we encamped in a dense pine forest 
near the enemy. The scenes on the march defy description. Here a wagon mired 
and abandoned; there a team of six mules stalled, with the driver hallooing and 
cursing; dead mules and horses on either hand — ten, twelve and even twenty-six 
horses vainly trying to drag a twelve-pounder through the mire. At midnight on the 
22d, orders came to mardh back to camp at 8 o'clock the next morning, where we 
arrived at 5 o'clock p. M. of the 23d, and found it occupied by the Twenty fifth Ohio, 
who made us comfortable for the night and moved out the next day. 



Hundreds of soldiers were employed for two days in building^ 
corduroy roads by which the trains were finally extricated and the 
Army returned to winter quarters. The lack of confidence in the 
Commander after the disaster at Fredericksburg, was accentuated by 
this abortive movement and on January 23, he issued an order of 
dismissal from the service of several of his Generals who had indulged 
in criticisms of his movements, which was overruled by the President, 
upon which General Burnside resigned the command of the Army 
and issued the following address: 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ) 
Camp near Falmou'iH, January 26, 1863. ) 

By direction of the President the Commanding General this day transfers the 
command of this Army to Major-General Joseph Hooker. The short time that he has- 
directed your movements has not been fruitful of victory or any considerable 
advancement of our lines, but it has again demonstrated an amount of courage, 
patience aud endurance that under more favorable circumstances would have 
accomplished great results. Continue to exercise these virtues. Be true in your 
devotion to your country and the principles you have sworn to maintain. Give to the 
brave and skillful General who has long been identified with your organization, and 
who is now to command you, your full and cordial support and co-operation, and you 
will deserve success. In taking an affectionate leave of the entire Army, from which 
he separates with so much regret * * * jjjg prayers are that God may be witlt 
you, and grant you continued success until the rebellion is crushed. 

MAJOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE. 



WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN. 



113 



DISCIPLINE, FURLOUGHS, ETC. — COWARDS DRUMMED OUT. 

The recent disastrous failure and abortive movements, as well as 
changes of commanders, produced their effect upon the morale of the 
army, and there was considerable despondency or dissatisfaction 
among the troops, as 200 desertions a day from the army proved. 
During the " Mud March " week, twenty-five members of the 

Twenty-fourth were reported 
"missing" and the utmost 
vigilance was ordered in every 
regiment. Camp guards were 
established, and roll calls were 
ordered three times a day. On 
January 31, a detail of fifty 
men under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Flanigan went in search of 
"skedaddlers," and three days 
later, after a circuit of fifty 
miles, returned with ten who 
were apprehended at Port 
Tobacco on the Potomac, and 
several citizens who were 
aiding in their escape. On 
February i, several who had 
"straggled" were publicly 
reprimanded on dress parade, 
and thus this evasion of duty 
was promptly squelched. 

Meantime, Colonel Morrow 

had been appointed President 

of a General Court Martial for 

the Left Grand Division. 

Insubordination, desertion and 

cowardice had become too 

common among officers antl 

men, and it was evident that 

more stringent punishments, even the extreme penalty, were necessary 

as deterrents against military offenses. Colonel Morrow's judicial 

experience eminently qualified him for President of the Court. 

Winter quarters brought frequent requests for furloughs. An 
order from General Hooker limited them to fifteen days each and 




THE WEARIED SOLDIER BOY. 



114 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

but two for each TOO men ; married men to have the preference. To 
obtain a furlough, the apphcation must be marked "approved" by the 
Colonel, who passed it on to the Brigade Commander. And thus it 
must pass through five,headquarters. Lucky he whose request would 
run the gauntlet. Then the time spent in going and returning left 
little of the time to be with friends at home. But sweet it was, 
however brief. 

Frequent details from the Twenty-fourth had already been made 
for artillery, pioneer and ambulance service, and February 7, brought 
an order for forty men for Battery B, which with deaths, discharges 
and sickness, perceptibly diminished its ranks. 

A Virginia winter is a make up of a variety of frost, rain, snow, 
slush and mud, sandwiched with sunshine and heavy gales. One day 
clear and mild, the next a fierce cold northeaster sets in, with a 
dashing snow storm for a few hours which turns to drizzling rain, 
producing a knee depth of red clay mud, almost impassable for man 
or beast. 

The men backed up for a mile or more the necessary fuel through 
the plastic soil, with which to cook their food and warm their cabins. 
Several musicians enlivened the camp with violins at night. Fresh 
potatoes, soft bread, onions, etc., were issued for rations; and the 
winter days were passed with the usual tours of drill and picket duty. 
Several ladies, wives of ofificers, graced the camp, and an occasional 
friend from Wayne county, to see sick ones. Obtaining the difficult 
"pass" restrained more from coming. 

February 21 was a day of painful interest, in the execution of 
court martial sentences upon seven members of the Brigade. Its five 
regiments were drawn up inclosing a hollow square, within which the 
offenders were brought under guard. After a few remarks from 
General Meredith, their sentences were read. " For misbehavior 
before the enemy, etc.," five of them were to forfeit all bounty and 
pay; to have their heads shaved and be drummed out of camp. The 
other two were to be drummed out only. One of the latter was a 
Twenty-fourth Michigan man. The "barberous" part of the program 
over, the regiments were drawn up in two lines and the seven 
cowards, with uncovered heads, were marched between. A line of 
guards with reversed muskets preceded them, and closely behind 
followed a guard with pointed bayonets but a few inches from them. 
At a quickstep, the band playing the " Rogues' March," the disgraced 
men were sped out of camp, amid the scorn and contempt of their late 
comrades, a cold wind blowing upon their shaved heads. 



WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN. II 5 

REGIMENTAL AND BRIGADE RESOLUTIONS. 

The despondency of the army after Fredericksburg was magnified 
in some sections and was proving a weakness to the Union cause. A 
distinctive anti-war party had arisen in the North to oppose every war 
measure of the government. Clement L. Vallandigham, a member of 
Congress from Ohio, was the leader of this faction. They flooded the 
army with letters encouraging desertions, and discouraged enlistments. 
Thus, while the South would tolerate no division of sentiment among 
themselves, the North had not only the rebellion to fight, but was 
annoyed by this enemy at home. To counteract the impression of 
apathy, many regiments set forth their sentiments and belief in the 
ultimate triumph of the Union arms. A committee consisting of 
Captains Edwards, Gordon and Edwin B. Wight, and Lieutenants 
Hutchinson, Yemans, and Colonel Morrow (all Democrats except 
Captain Edwards), drafted some resolutions which were unanimously 
adopted by the Twenty-fourth Michigan on March ii, as follows: 

Whereas, We have heard with astonishment, that a feeling is fostered in the 
North and West, adverse to a vigorous prosecution of the war, and believing that this 
feeling, unless checked by the patriotism of loyal citizens, may extend until the 
government shall be compelled to make peace on dishonorable and disastrous terms, 
therefore 

Resolved, i. — That a settlement of this war on any other terms than an 
unconditional return of the rebellious states to their allegiance, shall meet our united 
disapproval; that as the only way to secure a speedy, lasting and honorable peace, 
we are in favor of the government using its vast resources in a vigorous prosecution 
of the war ; that we discard all former differences of party or sect and unite with the 
loyal citizens everywhere in restoring our blood bought union to the high prestige it 
has heretofore held among the nations of earth for guaranties of constitutional 
liberty ; that we have seen with regret and indignation, the efforts of professing 
friends of the government, to discourage the volunteer soldier, and that we recognize 
no difference between such traitors and those in armed rebellion. 

2. — That the law for the enrollment of the National forces meets our 
approbation ; that every citizen owes allegiance to the National Government, and if 
able-bodied men, not justly exempt from military service, are so base as to refuse 
their support to the government when called for under the Supreme Law of the land, 
we shall be ready to meet their resistance at the point of the bayonet. 

3. — That we not only feel but know that the Army of the Potomac is neither 
"disorganized" nor "demoralized," but at this moment is as efficient in discipline as 
any army in the world. 

A few days later, General Meredith rode over to the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan camp. The bugle was sounded and the 
men assembled without arms. He stated that they were called 
together, not to obey orders, but to vote upon a set of Iron Brigade 



Il6 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

resolutions, and each soldier was invited to vote as he felt. The 
resolutions were as follows: 

Whereas, Certain evil minded persons in the army and at home, have 
circulated slanderous reports as to the demoralization of this army, a report circulated 
by Northern traitors to justify their own wicked designs, and that we are in favor of 
peace on any terms. To refute a slander so insulting to us as soldiers and citizens, 
we, the members of the Iron Brigade, do resolve : 

I. — That we denounce such reports and emphatically declare that there are no 
men in our ranks but would blush at a dishonorable peace, or sacrifice their all for 
the maintenance of our constitution, the integrity of our country and the crushing out 
of the rebellion. 

2. — That, toilsome as soldier life may be, and much as we long for the society ' 
of our families and the endearments at home, we feel it our duty to carry on this war 
to the bitter end, and whatever the consequences to ourselves, do not desire peace 
until the last rebel in arms has vanished from our soil. 

3. — We warn our friends at home to beware of the traitors in their midst, 
and never forget that the first duty of a good citizen and true patriot is a maintenance 
of his rightful government, and submission of all personal, political or social interests 
to the great common cause. The blood of thousands of our friends, already sacrificed 
upon the altar of our country, cries aloud to you to follow their glorious example 
and fill the thinned ranks of an army which will never submit to an inglorious peace. 

4. — The safety of our country lies in a vigorous prosecution of the war until the 
last rebel in arms is subdued, and the stars and stripes float over every inch of 
territory of the United States. 

5. — We endorse the late Congressional militia law and hope that the grumblers 
at home may have an opportunity of shouldering the musket and understand that no 
neutrality can exist in the present struggle, and that they must "fight, pay or 
emigrate." 

6. — That we recognize the administration as the government de facto and 
endorse all its acts or measures having for their object the effectual crushing out of 
this rebellion. 

The resolutions were adopted with such a tremendous " aye," 
that it sent the horses of the General and his staff plunging away 
from the thunder of half a thousand voices, cheering for Generals 
Meredith and Hooker, and for the Union. 

CAMP EVENTS — BADGES —COMPLIMENTS. 

April I, 1863, found the regiment still in winter quarters, and 
likely to continue so until the roads should permit a move. The 
reports showed the regiment to be in excellent order, in discipline, 
drills, arms, clothing, health and patriotic ardor. There were present 
for duty 619 men and officers; present sick, 55. No paymaster had 
been seen for five months. The men tenderly enclosed the regimental 
burial ground with a neat post and rail fence, about twenty-four by 
forty feet. Some resignations were made about this time for bad 



WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLAIN. II/" 




MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER. 



health and other causes. During the past week Governor Morton of 
Indiana visited the camp. The bugle assembled the men who were 
briefly addressed by the distinguished visitor. He declared for " War 
to the knife — no compromise with traitors — the Union, the whole 
Union, and all for the Union." 

For the purpose of ready recognition of the divisions and corps, 
cloth badges were ordered to be sewed on the caps or hats of every 
officer and man, in shape, each corps as follows: First, a Sphere or 
round piece; Second, a Trefoil; Third, a Lozenge; Fifth, Maltese 
Cross; Sixth, Greek Cross; Eleventh, Crescent; Twelfth, Star. In 
color — First divisions. Red; Second divisions, White; Third 
divisions, Blue. The Twenty-fourth Michigan and all of the Iron 
Brigade being now in the First Division, First Corps, their distinctive 
badge was a round piece of red woolen cloth sewed to their hats. 

On April 2, the First Division was reviewed by General 
Wadsworth and General Hooker. On the 3d, the Iron Brigade was 
complimented in general orders, as follows : 

Soldiers of the Iron Brigade: your Commanding General takes great pleasure 
in thanking you for the manner in which you appeared upon the Review yesterday. 
Your soldierly bearing and general fine appearance, attracted the attention of the 
military men present, winning for yourselves the highest encomiums from all. 



Il8 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan was specially complimented, as 
follows : 

Headquarters Fourth Brigade, April 3, 1863. 
COLONEL HENRY A. MORROW, 

Ttventy-foiirth Michigan Volunteers. 
Colonel — While feeling more than gratified with the conduct of my command 
at the Review yesterday, I cannot refrain from expressing the extreme pleasure 
afforded me by the manner in which your Regiment conducted themselves on that 
occasion. The cool courage displayed by them when first under fire upon the plain of 
Fredericksburg, had led me to expect much of them, but that they should, in the 
short time that has elapsed since they entered the service, be able to compare so 
favorably with the veteran troops with whom they are associated, was not expected. 
Their soldierly conduct and bearing, efficiency in drill, and the discipline displayed by 
them, richly entitles them to the position they now hold in the Iron Brigade. It gives 
promise that a glorious future awaits them. Accept, Colonel, for yourself and men, 
my sincere thanks. 

S. MEREDITH, Brigade-General. 

A day or two later, there was a cavalry review near Falmouth, at 
which Colonel Morrow, Acting-Major E. B. Wight and other ofificers 
of the Twenty-fourth were present. The review over, the officers 
were presented to the President and General Hooker. The latter 
remarked to Colonel Morrow : 

Oh, we are old friends. I noticed your regiment the other day ; it's a splendid 
regiment ; it's as fine as silk. 

The above compliment was well deserved, for no officers had 
labored harder to make a regiment excellent in discipline. Then 
there was a commendable rivalry between the companies as to which 
should be best drilled, have brightest guns, etc. It received a daily 
inspection, the right wing by Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan, and the 
left by Acting-Major E. B. Wight. Besides, the Twenty-fourth being 
the only Michigan troops in the First Corps, it was determined to 
sustain the honor of the State. 

REVIEW BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 

On Thursday, April 9, 1863, the First Corps was reviewed by 
President Lincoln, General Hooker and staff. Chaplain Wm. C. Way 
thus described the occasion at the time : 

The day was fine and at ten o'clock the whole corps was in reviewing position. 
The batteries were in rear of the troops en masse. Uniforms were clean, guns bright 
as new, and equipments in fine condition. At two o'clock the booming of cannon 
-announced the approach of the cavalcade, our Battery B doing the honors of the day. 



WINTER QUARTERS AT BELLE PLALN. I I9 

Looking to the left we saw a cloud of dust, and all eyes were bent in that direction. 
The expected ones round a curve in the road and gallop past us. President Lincoln 
was mounted on a splendid bay, richly caparisoned, while General Hooker rode his 
pet gray on his left. They were followed by a host of officers in gay uniforms, and 
these in turn by lancers with fluttering pennants, a troop of orderlies galloping after. 
In the crowd we noticed Master ' Tad ' Lincoln and his orderly. 

Having reached the right of the column the cortege rode down the front in 
review. The numerous banners dipped gracefully, the banners playing while the 
bugles sounded their flourish of greeting. The President rode down the front with head 
uncovered. He next took a position with the generals in front, and then commenced 
the almost ceaseless tramp of the regiments by him, like waves of the sea. As each 
regiment passed, its banners were dipped gracefully, which was acknowledged by the 
President by lifting his hat. Mrs. Lincoln accompanied the President, riding in a 
carriage drawn by four bays. The affair passed off in fine style, and must have been 
gratifying to the Chief Magistrate. The general bearing of the troops was excellent, 
and the Iron Brigade was not excelled by any other, while the Twenty-fourth won 
golden opinions. The marching of the regiment was splendid and fully deserved the 
high compliment paid it by General Meredith on April 3d. My position was just in 
rear of the President and reviewing officers, and such that I noticed each regiment 
in the entire corps, and especially those of the Iron Brigade. No regiment had 
brighter guns, cleaner accoutrements, or tidier men than the Twenty-fourth. 



A SOLDIERS LETTER ON CAMP AFFAIRS. 

As the spring advanced, mild weather and good roads appeared. 
The peach trees were now in bloom and all nature was gay. On 
Sunday, April 12, 1863, Peter C. Bird of D wrote from Camp Isabella, 
to the author, describing camp affairs as follows : 

We have fine times here now — inspection every morning and Sundays twice. 
The men have to turn out with boots blacked, clothes brushed and besides that the two 
cleanest and neatest men, and the two dirtiest and most slovenly in each company, 
have their names read on dress parade. So we have a chance to get our names up 
now. 

We had another scene this morning. Ira F. PearsoU of H, who deserted last 
fall while we lay in the woods near South Mountain, was caught at Grand Rapids, 
Michigan, about three months ago and sent here under guard. He was tried by court 
martial and sentenced to be dishonorably discharged with forfeiture of all pay due or 
to become due, which was a very slight punishment and he thought so too, and 
boasted and danced around all day yesterday which provoked Captain Merritt so that 
this morning, the time he was to leave, the Captain formed the company at open 
ranks and surrounded him with twelve bayonets, and the band behind him, and 
marched him all around the regiment, the band playing the "Rogues' March." As 
he passed between our regiment and the Nineteenth Indiana, Captain Merritt ordered 
him to take off his hat, but he refused. So it was taken off for him. Our regiment 
followed, hissing and jeering him half way to the Landing. 

William H. Ingersoll, of H, was discharged with him for desertion, also. The 
regiment is disposing of its cowards pretty fast. Colonel Morrow comes it over them 



I20 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



so he gets their sentences lightened considerably. In the other regiments they shave 
their heads, but the Colonel works as hard to help them from being disfigured as 
though it was his own person. He seems to feel worse than the prisoners themselves 
and cries while their sentences are being read. 

April 14 brought orders to make ready to move at any moment. 
Knapsacks were inspected and all extra clothing and tents of officers 
turned in, the latter taking the common shelter tents like the men. 
On the 15th, a heavy rain storm set in, continuing all night. On the 
20th, the first division was ordered out for marching drill, but the 
storm prevented. The night of the 21st brought new orders to make 
ready to move at once. 




"twenty-fourth MICHIGAN" IN BIVOUAC— SKETCHED BY H. J. BROWN OP THE REGIMENT. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Chancellorsville Campaign. 



PORT ROYAL EXPEDITION. 

JUST as the Twenty-fourth Michigan were finishing their 
dinners on Wednesday, April 22, 1863, an order came to 
turn out forthwith with three days' rations and blankets, and 
in fifteen minutes they were on the parade ground in light 
marching order, all expectant as to where they were going. But no 
matter, anything and anywhere, for a change was welcomed with 
enthusiasm. General Reynolds, commanding the First Corps had 
sent the following order to General Wadsworth, commanding the 
First Division : 

You will detail two picked regiments to march to Port Conway, at once, with 
the pontoon train, so as to arrive there to-night, keeping out of sight of the opposite 
shore of the river. You will direct the officer in command to throw a regiment or part 
of one, over in the boats, and sweep through the town of Port Roj'al opposite, 
capturing all the enemy he can pick up and then return. I will suggest that Colonel 
Morrow of the Twenty-fourth Michigan be sent in command. 

The troops selected were the Twenty-fourth Michigan and 
Fourteenth Brooklyn (Zouaves), with one piece of Battery B, under 
Lieutenant Stewart. The latter rode "Old Bob Tail" which had 
been in the Battery for sixteen years. His tail had been shot off 
entirely in battle, and whenever he heard the roar of cannon, he 
wheeled around so as to face the music. For a full account of this 
animal the reader is referred to Chapter XXI. 

At 2 o'clock the expedition was under way. Generals Reynolds 
and Wadsworth accompanied Colonel Morrow about half the distance. 
The weather was fine, but the roads yet bad. King George Court 
House was passed and the vicinity of Port Conway reached at 10 
o'clock at night, the regiment bivouacking in an open field. Port 
Conway was about eighteen miles down the Rappahannock from 
Falmouth. The river is about 350 yards wide at this point. This 
was the birthplace of President Madison, and the ruins of the house 
where he was born still remained. 

(121) 



122 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN, 



It commenced raining at mid-night and continued hard all the- 
next day. At early dawn, amid the drenching rain, the pontoon 
boats, thirteen in all, were put together and carried to the river bank. 
They were composed of a light, pine skeleton, over which a 
water-proof canvas was drawn. A detail of twenty-five men for each 
boat was called for, the Twenty-fourth Michigan furnishing its quota 
of 200 by volunteers, all under the immediate command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan. The boats were filled and the men 
pulled for the opposite bank. 

This twilight scene was grand, somewhat like the Revolution 
event of Washington crossing the Delaware. No floating ice impeded 
their progress, but a vague uncertainty prevailed. A view of the 




MAP OP MUD MARCH AND PORT ROYAL EXPEDITION. 



opposite shore showed numerous rifle pits of great extent from which 
might blaze a shower of bullets or cannon balls. As they neared the 
bank what had, in the fog, appeared to be a regiment in line, was but 
a palisade fence. 

Up by the defenses the men passed and swept through the 
streets of Port Royal, an ancient borough of colonial days. A few of 
the inhabitants came out, but soon rushed back to their houses and 
fled with a few hurriedly packed up effects. Two bodies of cavalry 
made off at high speed, about seventy-five men in all, but not a hostile 
shot was fired. The town was depopulated of whites, the furniture 
in the houses remaining as they left it. The " contrabands," as the 



CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN. 



123 



slaves were known by since the war began, were full of joy and 
afforded all information they could. Several white females wept 
profusely, but being assured that no harm would be done them, 
exclaimed : " Thank God for that." 

A wagon-train was seen making fast out of town, but Lieutenant- 
Colonel Flanigan took a cross street and appeared before the wagon- 
master unawares. He was called upon to halt, but not being disposed 
to do so, the sight of a well-aimed " Spencerian " rifle stopped the 
train. The wagons with their contents of grain and meal were burned 
and the best animals taken. 

After thoroughly searching the town and obtaining what 
information they could, the expedition re-crossed the river with six 




CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK AT PORT ROYAL, BY VOLUNTEERS FROM THE "TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN" 
AND FOURTEENTH BROOKLYN — SKETCHED BY H. J. BROWN OP THE "TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN." 



prisoners, fifteen horses and mules, a rebel mail and two loyal lady 
refugees detained there. The captured animals were swum over the 
river behind the returning boats. One mule braced his feet against 
the bottom of the stream before deep water was reached and stopped 
the boat. He was let loose, but being headed for the opposite shore, 
swam over of his own accord, and the men were there to receive him 
upon his arrival. 

(9) 



124 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Stonewall Jackson, with about 6000 men, lay encamped five miles 
back of the town and the enemy appeared in force and fired upon the 
last boat as it was being taken from the water, but without injury to 
anyone. Camp was reached at dark, the men weary and tired. At 
headquarters it was deemed a hazardous undertaking and there was 
joy in camp upon their return without accident. The expedition 
acquitted itself with credit, as the fpllowing from Major-General 
Reynolds will show : 

The general commanding takes occasion to thank the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
and Fourteenth Brooklyn for the prompt manner in which they accomplished the 
object of the expedition to Port Royal. The endurance shown by their march of 
nearly thirty-six miles in twenty-four hours, during the very inclement weather of 
yesterday, proves their valor as tried and experienced soldiers, and entitles them to 
the highest admiration and praise." 

The next day was one of hilarious enjoyment among the men, 
each of whom had his story to tell. All felt happy, as it was the first 
"outing" they had had since the "Mud March." This expedition 
was simply the prelude to more important movements in the spring 
campaign thus opened. 

THE SITUATION — FITZHUGH CROSSING. 

For four months the opposing armies had faced each other on 
the Rappahannock — Lee with 70,000 men on the Fredericksburg 
side, and Hooker with 120,000 -on the Falmouth side. The last of 
April, 1863, Hooker resolved upon a fl^nk movement to compel the 
enemy to fight outside of his strong intrenchments, or move south. 

The Rapidan flows into the south side of the Rappahannock, 
about twelve miles above Fredericksburg. The United States Ford 
is about a mile below the mouth of the Rapidan. Bank's Ford is 
about midway between U. S. Ford and Falmouth. Kelly's Ford is 
about twenty-five miles above Falmouth. South of Kelly's Ford, 
twelve miles, is Germanna Ford and the mouth of the Rapidan. 

Hooker's plan was to cross a few of. his forces three or four miles 
below Fredericksburg to draw the attention of the enemy; meanwhile, 
to move the bulk of his army up to Kelly's Ford, thence south to 
Germanna Ford, across the Rapidan, and place it in the rear and flank 
of Lee, compelling the latter to abandon his strong position which he 
had so successfully held against Burnside's attempt. Wadsworth's 
Division of the First Corps, in which was the Iron Brigade, was a part 
of the troops selected to make \.\\& feint below Ft"edericksburg. 



CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN. I25 

At noon of Tuesday, April 28, 1863, the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
bade farewell to Camp Isabella, their winter home, and marched away 
to the southwest, bivouacking at night about two miles south of 
White Oak Church. At 11 r. M. the regiment was aroused for march. 
It reached the Rappahannock at day-break, four miles below 
Fredericksburg, near the Fitzhugh House, on the 29th. Fitzhugh 
Crossing where the First Division was to be thrown over was near by. 

About 5 o'clock, under cover of a dense fog, the pontoon train 
was run down to the bank of the river and the first attempt made by 
engineers to unload the boats drew the fire of the enemy from the 
opposite bank. The darkey drivers unhitched their teams and went 
up the bank of the river to the rear and out of reach of the enemy's 
guns, as if Satan was after them. A few of the boats had been 
unloaded and pushed into the stream. The enemy's fire became so 
hot that the engineers and train guard had to leave the boats and fall 
back. 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan and Sixth Wisconsin were ordered 
down, and taking position on the river bank, kept up a fire across the 
river for some time in the fog. When the fog began to rise and the 
dim outlines of the enemy's works came into view, these two 
regiments were ordered back about 300 yards to a less exposed 
position. During this part of the engagement, Joseph Coryell of F 
was killed. 

Further attempts to unload the boats and lay the bridge while 
the fog lasted proved equally unsuccessful. It being evident that the 
bridge could not be laid unless the enemy were driven from the rifle 
pits, a storming party was organized to cross the river in open boats 
and drive the enemy from their intrenched position at the point of 
the bayonet. 

This seemed more of a forlorn hope than the famous crossing of 
the Seventh Michigan at Fredericksburg. The heights opposite were 
more impregnable and manned with more troops. The river at this 
point was wider. The bank to be charged up was steeper, it being 
almost impossible to climb it, as the undergrowth was very' thick, and 
the enemy had formed an abatis by felling trees with the tops down 
the hill. The rifle pits were manned with a brigade composed of the 
Sixth Louisiana and Twentieth Alabama, and three other regiments. 

The storming party consisted of the Twenty-fourth Michigan and 
Sixth Wisconsin, while three companies of the Second Wisconsin 
were detailed to run the pontoon wagons down the bank and launch 
the boats. All being ready, with a ringing yell, off rushed the 



126 



HISTORY or THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Storming party on the double-quick, down the bank to the boats, and 
a moment later, amid a terrific fire, were pulling for the opposite 
shore, using poles and the very butts of their guns for oars. A 
landing effected, up the difificult bank they charged amid the blaze of 
musketry to the very rifle pits, which they scaled, and completely 
routed the enemy within, killing several and capturing 103 prisoners,, 
including a Lieutenant-Colonel and two other officers, as well as all of 
the cannon. 




FITZHUGH CROSSING. — "TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN" AND "SIXTH WISCONSIN" CROSS THE RAPPAHANNOCK 
IN BOATS AND CARRY THE OPPOSITE HEIGHTS. SKETCHED BY H. J. BROWN OF THE 
TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan was in the lead, its flag landing 
first, though there is a dispute as to which regiment belonged the boat 
first to land. It matters not. It was a neck and neck race, between 
two friendly regiments of the Iron Brigade, in a hazardous and 
brilliant movement, and there were bullets and glory enough for 
both. Just seven minutes elapsed from the time the Twenty-fourth 
unslung knapsacks until they had scaled the heights and the task was 
completed, a most daring achievement that won favorable notice 
from the whole division. 

Meanwhile, General James S. Wadsworth swam his horse across 
the Rappahannock and riding his dripping steed in front of the 
regiment which had just been drawn up in line, took off his Cap, which 
had been perforated witli two of the enemy's bullets, and exclaimed : 



" God bless the gallant Twenty-fourth Michigan. God bless you all." 



CIIANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN. 12/ 

After the crossing, the boats were sent back after the rest of the 
Iron Brigade, who lost no time in following up their comrades. The 
bridges were laid and the rest of the division crossed, occupying the 
lower part of the Fredericksburg battle-field of December 13, 1862. 

As soon as the bridge was completed, the Iron Brigade moved to 
the left to prevent a flank movement of the enemy, and formed in 
oblong square, near the edge of some woods that lined the river bank. 
The left of the Twenty-fourth Michigan rested on the Rappahannock, 
the regiment at right angles with the river. On its right, and parallel 
with the river, was the Nineteenth Indiana, aligned and joined to 
which were the Second and Seventh Wisconsin, while the Sixth 
Wisconsin extended at right angles with the right of the Seventh to 
the river. Around this parallelogram was a ditch in which the men 
took shelter for the night. The enemy's pickets were in full view, 
but by agreement under a flag of truce sent in by the enemy, there 
was no picket firing. 

The next day, April 30, the men hastily threw up breast-works 
as a protection against musketry, putting in all the farming 
implements on the plantation — mowers, reapers, plows, drags, 
fanning mills, etc. Everything went. While so engaged, the enemy 
kept up a lively shelling from 5 to 7 p. M. which was vigorously 
replied to by our batteries across the river. A solid shot killed Sergeant 
Asa Brindle of B, and Sergeant John Tait of G, and wounded two 
others. As soon as night came, the men went to work in good 
earnest and by daylight on Friday morning. May 1st, had a line of 
intrenchments strong enough to resist solid shot and shell. The two 
Sergeants that were killed, were buried within the lines of the 
intrenchments with appropriate religious services, conducted by 
Private Willian R. Graves, a "local preacher" of the Methodist 
Church. 

During the regiment's tarry here the old battle-ground of 
December 13 was visited and the bodies of Lieutenant Birrell and 
Sergeant Wight, of K, were removed to the north side of the river. 
In January previous a request was made under a flag of truce for the 
■enemy to allow the friends of Lieutenant Birrell to remove his body, 
but General Lee refused the request. All day Friday the men lay 
behind their breastworks, there being no firing from the enemy. At 
night, orders came to make ready to march. 

On Saturday morning. May 2, the Iron Brigade was up and had 
breakfasted at 4 o'clock. At 7 o'clock they received a lively shelling 
from a battery, which was soon after silenced by our battery over the 



128 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

river. Soon after the recrossing of the river began. The men 
crawled out of their pits and down the hill to the river bank,, 
unobserved, and then came back again in full view of the enemy, 
giving them the idea that we were receiving reinforcements. Again 
the enemy opened fire with large caliber guns from the heights and 
kept it up until our last man was safely across the river. 

During the recrossing, the colored servant of Lieutenant 
Witherspoon had gone across the pontoon leaving his pack-mule 
hitched to a stake on the south bank. Prevented by the sentinels 
from crossing to get the mule, he very excitedly, amid the dropping 
of the enemy's shells around, yelled out, "Tie dat mule loose! tie dat 
mule loose!" Presently a shell cut away the stake to which he was 
tied and the men rolled the mule over the bank into the river. He 
swam across and was received by the darkey driver, to the merriment 
of the men. 

The pickets of the Iron Brigade were the most exposed and last to 
come over the river. Company H of the Twenty-fourth was dejjloyed 
as skirmishers on the left, the left of the company resting on the river 
about 500 yards below the works. Lieutenant Grace was in command 
of the company at the time. Orders came to retire the skirmishers, 
as the troops had crossed the river. Lieutenant Dodsley could run 
faster than Lieutenant Grace and so ran to the left and ordered the 
men back who ran for the works. About half a dozen men with 
Lieutenant Dodsley had to take to the bank of the river which was 
covered with underbrush. When they arrived at the crossing the 
bridge was taken up and a boat left for them to cross in. Lieutenant 
Dodsley being the last man to get into the boat. Some prisoners 
'during the assault on the rifle pits, recognized their captors as 
Twenty-fourth men and said : " You boys crossed at Port Royal the 
other day and are not afraid of anything." 

The following were the casualties of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
at Fitzhugh Crossing, April 29 and 30, 1863 : 

KILLED ON THE BATTLEFIELD: 

Sergeant Asa W. Brindle, . . . B Forest C. Brown, C 

Sergeant John Tait, G Joseph Coryell F 

DIED OF WOUNDS: 
William H. Jamieson, foot amputated, G 

WOUNDED: 

First Lieutenant George W. Burchell, shoulder, . . . G 

Sergeant George W. Haigh, wrist, D 

Sergeant Shepherd L Howard, arm, D 




WILLIE YOUNG, DRUMMER BOY, YOUNGEST MEMBER 
OF THE REGIMENT. 



CHANCELI.ORSVILLE CAMPAIGN. I3I 

Herman Blankertz, foot, ... A Richard Downing D 

Thomas A. Wadsworth, foot, . . A Aldrich Tovvnsend D 

Leander Bauvere, arm, . . . B Andrew Waubec, leg, . . .. E 

Richard Conners, head . . . . B James D. Shearer, hand, . F 

John M. Doig, foot, C Henry Robinson, head, .. . G 

Hiram W. Hughes, hand, . . . C Joseph Ruby, face, . . . H 

James McKee, arm, . . C John L. Stringham, head, ... I 

Samuel W. Phillips, foot, . . . C Lilburn A. Spaulding, arm, . . K 
Ludovico Bowles, neck, . . . D 

Swninaiy: Killed and mortally wounded, 5; other wounded, 20. Total, 25. 

Our losses would have been greater, but during the fog the 
enemy fired at random, and while in the boats the shots of the 
enemy passed over them as they neared the opposite bank. 



CHANCELLORSVILLE — STRATEGY — WITHDRAV^AL. 

The operations about Fitzhugh Crossing were merely a ruse to 
hold the attention of the enemy about Fredericksburg while the 
greater operations of the army were to occur farther away. To the 
First, Third and Sixth Corps was assigned this duty, and it proved 
very successful. During its progress the rest of the Army of the 
Potomac marched to Kelly's Ford, thirty miles away, thence south to 
the Rapidan, which was crossed by the men fording the stream up to 
their armpits. They proceeded to Chancellorsville, a place containing 
but a single house, about ten miles a little south of a direct line west 
from Fredericksburg. Here they were joined by the Second Corps 
via the United States Ford and the Third Corps also. On Friday 
morning. May ist, five corps were successfully in the enemy's rear, 
compelling him to come out of his intrenchments at Fredericksburg. 
The First Corps joined the flanking column on Sunday, May 3d. 

On the morning of the 1st, Hooker sent out columns by the 
river, turnpike and plank roads to meet Lee, over whom he had 
secured several strategic advantages in position, surprise, etc. But as 
soon as the opposing pickets met Hooker ordered his forces back and 
began to fell trees that night for an abatis, and to throw up rifle pits, 
on the defensive, though having a greatly superior force — a movement 
strangely enigmatical to this day. Military critics aver that he 
frittered away a golden opportunity for victory. 

All day Saturday, the 2d, Hooker lay upon the defensive. Now, 
it was Lee's turn to flank. While engaging Hooker with front 
demonstrations, he sent "Stonewall" Jackson with 22,000 men 



132 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 






p'f^J^ 







CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN. 133 

around on the west side of Hooker and suddenly struck his right at 
five o'clock in the afternoon, completely scattering the Eleventh 
Corps, whose fleeing caused a panic. General Warren, with Hooker's 
old division and fifty pieces of artillery, stemmed Jackson's advance 
after dark. On Sunday morning the First Corps (Reynolds') took 
the place of the Eleventh Corps. 

Soon after nightfall the intrepid Confederate leader, "Stonewall" 
Jackson, with his staff, rode forward beyond his lines to make a 
personal reconnoissance, and when they turned back to re-enter their 
lines the party was fired upon by their own pickets, and Jackson 
mortally wounded. And thus died the greatest of Lee's generals. 
He was \.\\& Phil SJteridan of the Southern Army — a bold, dashing 
■officer, with acuteness to comprehend the situation in an instant, and 
quickly take advantage of it. He was noted for successful flank 
movements, and though his soldiers did not love his exacting 
discipline, yet it was their boast that he usually gave them victory. 

Lee's army was now divided. All of Hooker's forces but the 
Sixth Corps under Sedgwick lay between Lee's divided forces. 
Sedgwick was still below Falmouth, and could easily have joined the 
main body via the United States Ford without the loss of a man, and 
Hooker's army been thus united. But the latter ordered Sedgwick to 
■occupy Fredericksburg, seize Marye's Height, gain the plank road in 
the rear, and join the main body that way. Early Sunday morning 
he occupied the town, formed a storming column and gallantly carried 
the Height at the cost of i,ooo men. He then started for 
Chancellorsville by the plank road, but was intercepted by Lee at 
Salem Heights and defeated with a loss of 4,cxx) more men. 

Prior to Sedgwick's fight at Salem, Hooker's main force was 
being transferred to a new line of defense back of Chancellorsville, 
nearer the fords of the river, in which movement a part of the main 
force was badly punished by Lee, who then turned and defeated 
Sedgwick in his rear, and the next day. May 4, drove him across the 
Rappahannock. Sedgwick's corps thus being eliminated from the 
battle, Lee turned back on Tuesday, May 6, to strike Hooker's main 
force again. But during the night. Hooker withdrew all his army 
-across the river, leaving behind its killed and wounded and fourteen 
pieces of artillery, not to mention thousands of small arms. 



134 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

MOVEMENTS OF THE IRON BRIGADE AND TWENTY-FOURTH 

MICHIGAN. 

After recrossing the Rappahannock to the north side at 
Fitzhugh, on Saturday morning, the Iron Brigade moved up the 
river a mile and lay near the Sixth Corps in the open field until 
T I o'clock. It was near Franklin's Crossing to the Fredericksburg 
field in December preceding. The Sixth Corps had been helping the 
ruse at this point. The Iron Brigade then passed up the river via 
Falmouth, having a most beautiful view of Fredericksburg and the 
hills beyond, the heights still frowning with confederate batteries. 
The march was continued for seventeen miles along the river road to 
the Catlett road, thence to Hartwood church, and bivouacked at 
10 o'clock at night near United States Ford. At 2 o'clock the next 
morning, Sunday, May 3, they crossed the Rappahannock at United 
States Ford, and taking the Ely Ford road for four miles, reached the 
battlefield of Chancellorsville at 6 o'clock. 

The Iron Brigade took position just behind the Pike leading from 
Fredericksburg up to Ely's Ford, forming the second line of battle. 
Syke's Regulars were directly in front behind some breast-works which 
they were throwing up. A terrible artillery firing began early in the 
morning and lasted until noon. The Fifth Maine Battery lost all its 
horses. The Irish Brigade, by hand, drew off their guns. During the 
afternoon. General Hooker and staff rode by. He recognized the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan, and said, "You are the boys that crossed at 
Port Royal." The fighting was very severe during the day, but the 
Twenty-fourth being in the reserve, had but one man wounded, 
, Thomas Burns of F. One of its men was also wounded in Battery B, 
Thomas D. Ellston of E. 

On Monday, May 4th, a flattering compliment was paid to the 
Twenty-fourth on the battle-field. By some oversight, the right flank 
of the Federal Army had been left exposed. The two roads leading 
from United States Ford on the Rappahannock to Ely's Ford on the 
Rapidan, had been left unguarded, so that the enemy might easily cut 
off the Army from its pontoons. In the monrning, an Aide of 
General Reynolds reported this state of things to General Hooker, 
who was silent for a moment. He compressed his lips as if in deep 
thought, and then said; "Tell General Reynolds to 'send the best 
regiment he has to guard the roads. Tell him to send Colonel 
Morrow and the Twenty-fourth Michigan." 

The regiment moved on its mission to the extreme right within a 
mile of the Rapidan near Hunting Creek, where it barricaded the 



CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN. I35 

roads. Company A was deployed as skirmishers in front and B to 
the extreme right near the Rapidan. On Tuesday, May 5th, H and 
three other companies were taken still further to the right where they 
formed an abatis, threw up earthworks and lay on their arms at night. 
The position of the regiment was dangerous, but honorable. A 
terrible thunder storm came up which lasted thirty-six hours, 
saturating the men's clothes and greatly swelling the rivulets and 
streams. 

When the withdrawal of the army began, the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan seemed to have been forgotten while out on its picket duty. 
That night, General Paul of the Regular Army came upon the 
regiment and calling Colonel Morrow out of his " dog tent," informed 
him that he was the last man except the Twenty-fourth Michigan on 
the field; that the rest had all gone over the river! The pickets were 
called in and at 3 o'clock on the morning of May 6th, while the men 
were leaning against trees, trying thus to keep the rain off and get 
some sleep, the regiment quietly marched back to where the army had 
been, but to their astonishment, no troops could be seen, and the 
men then first knew that it was a retreat. 

For miles they traveled through the brush until they came in 
sight of our troops crossing the pontoons at the United States Ford 
on the double-quick. During the darkness, five companies got 
separated from the regiment in the woods and were supposed to be 
captured, but they finally came up all right, and all joined the rest 
of the Iron Brigade near the river. In the haste at the pontoons, 
there was danger of a panic and the Iron Brigade was ordered back to 
the woods once more to build fires and make coffee, thus leaving the 
rest of the army to believe that there was no danger of an attack. 
At 9 o'clock the regiment re-crossed the river, being the last troops to 
leave the inglorious field of Chancellorsville. 

All day the regiment marched, considerably despondent. The 
rain came down incessantly. After descending precipices, wading 
creeks and through mud knee deep for fifteen miles, it bivouacked at 
night, three miles from Stoneman's Station, wet, hungry and so 
fatigued that in ten minutes the men fell asleep in some pine woods, 
each one where he happened to be. 

COMMENTS — COMPLIMENTS. 

In these engagements, including the crossing below Fredericksburg, 
the battle of the Sixth Corps at Marye's Height and at Salem 
Heights, Lee reported an aggregate loss of 10,281 while the aggregate 



136 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Union loss was 16,030. And thus another inglorious chapter was 
added to the history of the Union arms. We have neither space nor 
heart to dilate upon the want of Generalship that allowed 70,000 
Confederates to outmaneuver and rout 120,000 Union men. There 
was not an hour from the beginning of this movement to its close, when 
victory was not within the grasp of the Union commander, but sad 
to say, it was frittered away completely by an inexcusable imbecility. 
Oh, for a leader for the Army for the Potomac ! ^jj^ 

On May 9th, General Wadsworth, in general orders, commended 
the recent gallantry of the Iron Brigade, as follows: 

The General commanding deems it proper to express his thanks to Colonel 
Morrow, (Twenty-fourth Michigan), and Colonel Bragg, (Sixth Wisconsin), and the 
gallant men under their command, for the heroic manner in which they crossed the 
Rappahannock and seized the heights on the opposite shore, on the 29th of April, and 
to the whole of the Brigade for the promptness with which they followed, on this 
daring enterprise. 

Commenting on which the Detroit Tribune said : 

We had faith in the Twenty-fourth before they left us ; but now, what 
Detroiter does not feel his bosom heave with pride as he reads the history of their 
heroism and the acknowledgment of their services from the Commanding General. 
Those who have known General Wadsworth, will describe him as a man of great 
-deliberation and very few words, from whom a line of praise is more valuable than 
volumes from others. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

From Chancellorsville to 
Gettysburg. 

CAMP WAY — THE FITZHUGH ESTATE. 

BARLY on the morning of May 7, the weaned men 
continued their march through Falmouth to within a mile 
and a half of White Oak church, and encamped on a rising 
knoll in an old orchard on the Fitzhugh estate, near the 
crossing of that name. It was a most beautiful spot, well supplied 
with wood and water, and by far the pleasantest camping ground of 
the regiment yet. It was named "Camp Way," after our Chaplain. 

The ten days of marching and fighting and retreating had made 
camp life, with its routine, welcome. Company streets were laid out, 
graded and ornamented with evergreens from the groves, forming fine 
walks and arbors. And here the men gathered about the camp-fires 
and related hair-breadth escapes from lips eloquent with patriotic 
inspiration. The regiment had added new laurels to its history. Its 
worn and tattered flag was first across at Port Royal and at Fitzhugh 
Crossing, and will be borne in the van while a shred of it remains. 

This Fitzhugh estate once belonged to the Washington family, 
and was the scene of the youthful George's experiment with his 
hatchet upon the cherry tree, which historical incident gave the old 
house, the orchard, and broad inter-vale for more than a mile from 
the wood-crowned bluff of the Rappahannock, an additional interest. 
The buildings were now untenanted and dilapidated, and the once 
magnificent garden in ruins. It was near the crossing where 
Washington, when a young man, is related to have thrown a stone 
across the Rappahannock, a feat, like his inability to tell a lie, 
considered sufificiently marvelous for historical record of the great 
man; but when several members of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
easily performed the same feat, they believed that the youthful 
George's ability to tell the truth and perform this stone throwing act 
was not at all remarkable. 

(137) 



138 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

CHUCK-OR-LUCK — FRIENDLY PICKETS, ETC. 

On Sunday, May 10, the Chaplains of the Iron Brigade were 
endeavoring to re-estabhsh religious services, but they met with a 
counter-attraction, as the following facetious request of Colonel 
Robinson of the Seventh Wisconsin to the Assistant Adjutant of the 
Iron Brigade will show: 

Sir — There is a large crowd of soldiers in the grove below, engaged in the 
interesting game called "Chuck-or-Luck." My chaplain is running his church on the 
other side of me, but " Chuck-.or-Luck" has the largest crowd. I think this unfair, as 
the church runs only once a week, but the game goes on daily, I suggest that one or 
the other of the parties be dispersed. 




SOLDIKRS PLAYING CHUCK-OR-LUCK. 



This game which had such a fascination among the soldiers, was 
a diminutive system of gambling, the elements of which too often are 
found in methods adopted by churches and Sunday schools for raising 
money by raffles and chance. This game was played with dice or 
small blocks in imitation. Sometimes it was played on a board ; 
often on a rubber blanket or the hard ground. Six sections were 
spaced off, each numbered in order. Two soldiers would play the 
game, one representing the "banker" and the other the venturer. 
The latter would choose one or two of the numbers and place 



FROM CHANCELI.ORSVILLE TO GHTTYSHURG. 1 39 

a piece of money on each, which were covered by the "banker" with 
an equal amount. If the dice thrown gave the number or numbers 
chosen, then the player won and the "banker" lost. If the dice 
failed to turn up the numbers chosen, then the "banker" took all the 
money. The chances were about five to one in favor of the latter. 
Soon after pay-day this game had a great run, and many a poor 
fellow's two month's pay was gone in this manner. 

This game was sometimes called the " sweat board," but there 
were other games by night in some tents of ofificers of the army where 
decks of "sweat boards" were used for much larger amounts at stake. 
Early in its service. Colonel Morrow issued stringent orders against 
the practice of gaming for money within the regiment. 

On May 13th, our ambulances crossed the river for the wounded 
left behind in the recent battle. The enemy was full of exultation 
and confidence. That night the Twenty-fourth was sent out on picket 
for forty-eight hours, along the Rappahannock. The enemy's pickets 
were very friendly and conversation was continually had with them. 
It was a frequent occurrence to see the opposing pickets swim to the 
middle of the stream and exchange coffee and tobacco. They had 
only rye coffee and no sugar, while eggs were $3.50 a dozen in their 
currency. The enemy seemed to be very active across the river all 
day on the 14th, and that night the men were aroused twice from 
their slumbers, amid a terrible thunder shower. 

Returning from picket duty at noon of the 15th, they were 
regaled in the afternoon with speeches from Senators Chandler of 
Michigan and Wade of Ohio, who were on the committee on the 
Conduct of the War, and were doubtless looking up the causes of our 
recent disaster. 

For two weeks after its return from the bloody field the 
Twenty-fourth enjoyed the repose of its pleasant camp amid green 
fields, fine groves and stately oak forests. An abandoned yoke of 
oxen were brought into camp and used to haul the fuel and water for 
the Twenty-fourth. They were general favorites, as they saved the 
men some hard lugging of those necessary articles. A few weeks 
later, when the army started North, they were killed for beef. 

The rest for the Twenty-fourth was of brief duration. Soon after 
midnight on Thursday, the 21st, it was roused up and ordered to 
march at daylight, with three days' cooked rations. To and fro the 
men hurried, filling canteens and haversacks, wondering, and asking 
each other, "What's up now?" 



140 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



WESTMORELAND EXPEDITION. 

After two hours of busy preparation, the stir proved to be an 
expedition composed of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, Nineteenth 
Indiana, Second and Sixth Wisconsin regiments of the Iron Brigade^ 
about i,2CXD men, under command of Colonel Morrow. Destination: 
King George and Westmoreland Counties. Its object was to clear the 







mwh'l ' <. v> m 



YOKE OF OXEN FOUND AT CAMP WAT — SKETCHED BY H. J. BROWN OF THE 
"twenty-fourth MICHIGAN." 

Northern Neck (as the Peninsula is called, between the Potomac and 
Rappahannock), of any Confederate troops intercepting the Eighth 
Illinois Cavalry which had gone down a few days before. The 
following is Colonel Morrow's report of the expedition : 



At daybreak on May 21st, the Expedition marched directly for King George 
Court House, where it halted for dinner ; thence to Millville where we arrived before 
dark, having marched twenty-eight miles. The day was excessively hot and many 
gave out from exhaustion. ^Resumed march at daylight of 22d and arrived at Mattox 
Creek about 8 o'clock, (seven or eight miles). The bridge over Mattox Creek had 
been destroyed the Sunday before. From a few half-burned planks and timbers, 
Captain Ford of General Wadsworth's staff and Captain Merritt of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan, in a few hours with a working party, had so far repaired the bridge as to 
allow the passage of Infantry and Cavalry. These officers are deserving of much 
credit for their skill and efficiency. Having information of a force of the enemy near 
Leesvllle, opposite Port Micou, I resolved to march to that place, leaving a small 
detachment with Captain Merritt to complete the bridge and guard it. I marched to 
Leesville, scouring the country on both sides of the road to be sure the enemy did not 
get in our rear. We saw no rebels and arrived at Leesville a little before sunset, a 
march of thirteen miles. We bivouacked for the night behind a skirt of woods out of 
sight of the opposite side of the river. I picketed the river and attempted to burn the 
boats on the opposite side of the river, but failed. 



FROM CHANCELLORSVILLE TO GETTYSBURO. 141 

I fired a few rounds across the river at a squadron of Cavalry doing picket duty 
about Port Micou. After the first volley, the Cavalry quickly withdrew behind a 
slight rise of ground in rear of the town, leaving not a picket to watch our movements. 
It VTas now about 7 o'clock Saturday morning, the 23d, and I moved the column down 
the river as if to march for Leedstown, three miles below, but after marching a short 
distance, I turned to the left and marched for Oak Grove to intercept any rebels that 
might be there. I sent a party of mounted men to Leedstown. 

As I was turning to leave the river, I saw a man in rebel uniform crossing the 
field and evidently making for the water. He was captured and proved to be 
Lieutenant Col. Critcher, Fifteenth Virginia Cavalry. The column halted at Oak 
Grove a little after noon (SJ.j miles), a place of no importance except it is the 
intersection of several roads on Northern Neck. Early Sunday morning, I marched 
my command to within one mile of Westmoreland Court House, and met the advance 
of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry on its return, with an enormous train of wagons, carts, 
horses, mules and contrabands, and encamped for the night, after a march of eleven 
miles. At 4 o'clock in the morning we retraced our steps, marching fourteen miles 
before breakfast, and bivouacked for the night near King George Court House, after 
a march of twenty-nine miles. At 5 o'clock on the morning of the 26th, the column 
resumed its march and reached camp near White Oak Church, at noon (21 miles), 
having marched 130 miles in five and a half days. 

Besides Colonel Critcher, the captured train consisted of three 
confederate officers, fifty prisoners, five hundred horses and mules, 
one thousand slaves of all ages and both sexes, and a large quantity 
of bacon and corn. Besides three hundred confederate prisoners were 
paroled. The country was bursting into vernal greenness, and 
was a marvel of beauty and fertility. The boys lived on the " fat 
of the land," though it was very warm and dusty and many of them 
blistered their feet. It was the captured Colonel's cavalry that 
retreated from Port Royal upon the advent of our men there a month 
before. He had come over the river to visit his family ostensibly, but 
really to plan for the capture of our cavalry, which the arrival of 
the Iron Brigade prevented. He had burned the Mattox Creek bridge 
and was hiding in the grass when a mounted orderly found him. It 
was Captain A. M. Edwards and six men who volunteered to cross the 
river at Port Micou aud burn the two boats. The pilot steered the 
wrong way and they were discovered and driven back. Upon their 
return, the column passed near the site of Washington's birthplace, 
marked only by fragments of a chimney. Upon a stone, overgrown 
with bushes, is the inscription : " Here was born George Washington, 
February 1 1, 1732." 

VISITORS — BLACK HATS — REORGANIZATION, ETC. 
Upon arrival in camp they found several visitors from Detroit. 
The following evening. May 27th, the regiment listened to 
speeches from several of them — from John J. Speed, brother of 

(10) 



142 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN, 



Captain Speed, Rev. F. A. Blades, Henry Barns, and a "rouser" from 
private Jones of the Sixth Wisconsin. The regiment was this day 
furnished with the "Black Hats" peculiar to the Iron Brigade, no 
other troops wearing them, making their appearance like their name, 
quite unique. On May 28, Governor Blair and his wife, also David 
Preston, of Detroit, visited the camp, the former making a speech on 
dress parade. On May 30, General Reynolds reviewed the First 
Corps, and the next day the regiment went on picket. It witnessed a 
review of twenty-five regiments of the enemy on the old 
Fredericksburg battle-ground, which betokened a mysterious 
something brewing among them. 










7» 



» i-6 






ROUTE OF IRON BRIGADE ON THE WESTMORELAND EXPEDITION. 

By reason of the expiration of the terms of service of the two 
years' men and the nine months' men, the First Corps had been 
reduced from 16,000 to 9,000 men, the smallest in the Army of the 
Potomac. There Avas a consequent re-arrangement of organizations 
and the "Iron Brigade" became, after June ist, 1863, the First 
Brigade of the First Division of the First Corps, which gave it the 
honor of carrying the division colors — a large white, tri-angular flag 
with the symbol of the First Corps — a red sphere or disc in the 
center. If all the Armies of the United States were in one line, the 
Iron Brigade would now be on the extreme right, adding the 
uniqueness of position and number to that of name and dress, of this 
now celebrated Brigade. 

Mysterious movements continued across the river and midnight 
of June 3d, brought moving orders. Tents were struck at daylight 



FROM CHANCELLORSVILLE TO GETTYSBURG. I43 

and, after lying around till eleven o'clock, orders came to " pitch 
tents " again, and camp routine was resumed. The enemy seemed 
to have left their camps over the river, leaving a strong line of picket. 
The next afternoon, a part of the Sixth Corps crossed the river to 
reconnoitre, capturing 300 prisoners. Evening brought new orders to 
move at daylight on the 6th. All readiness was made, wagons 
loaded and arms stacked on the parade grounds till ten o'clock, when 
tents were again pitched and camp life resumed. 

On Sunday, IVtay 7th, the Seventh Wisconsin and a part of the 
Second Wisconsin were sent off on an expedition to uncover the 
movements of the enemy. A few days later they struck the enemy 
near Culpepper, and ascertained by this event and captured mails that 
Lee had started on an invasion of the North. The defeats of the 
Union Army at Fredericksburg in December, 1862, and recently at 
Chancellorsville, and the reduction of Hooker's Army by battle, and 
departure of those whose enlistment terms had expired, to less than 
•90,000 men, not to mention an assured hope or promise of foreign 
recognition and consequent intervention of European powers, in case 
of a successful Northern Campaign, doubtless induced Lee to this 
bold attempt. 

Thursday, June I'lth, brought strict orders for all civilians to 
leave the Army at once, all extra baggage to be sent to the rear, and 
the men's extra luggage reduced to the lowest possible amount, and 
be ready to march before daylight the next day. Like their 
departure from Camp Isabella, the final breaking up at Camp Way 
was attended with much interest, both because of the pleasant 
location of the camp and the few happy weeks spent amid the 
orchard blossoms of the vernal months, and because of the vague 
uncertainties of the future. There was an exciting campaign before 
them and the camp that night was one of unusual anxiety. 

The regiment had been but ten months in service, yet, in this 
brief period, it had been occupied almost constantly in drill, 
expeditions, forced marches in rain and mud, fighting and taking its 
tours of picket duty. It had endured hunger, suffering, and all the 
hardships of exposure and fatigues of army life. From these causes 
and from sickness, death, wounds, disease, promotions and details to 
Battery B, pioneer and ambulance service, it had become reduced to 
nearly one-half its original number. But its brilliant record had won 
for it and its State, a proud name. The Detroit Tribune thus 
mentioned it at this date: 



144 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

It was a source of great pleasure, on a recent visit to the army, to find that 
the Twenty-fourth Michigan had earned for itself in that vast army, an honorable and 
high reputation for bravery and soldierly bearing. It stands among the highest and 
is considered among the very best by the general officers of that army. It was a 
pleasure to see the men so generally hardy and ready to do their whole duty. 

START FOR GETTYSBURG — MILITARY EXECUTION. 

Sunrise of P>iday morning, June 12, found the regiment, with the 
Iron Brigade, well away from Camp Way. The line of march was up 
the river and across the railroad at Stoneman's Switch, two miles from 
Falmouth, out of sight of the opposite side of the river. The column 
moved briskly, although the heat and dust were oppressive. At noon 
it reached the main Barnett's Ford road at Berea Church and halted 
for an hour's rest and to witness the death penalty upon a soldier of 
the Iron Brigade for desertion to the enemy. Sergeant Sullivan D. 
Green of Company F, Twenty-fourth Michigan, thus described, at the 
time, the tragic event : 

This day is to witness an impressive and unusual sight. In one of yonder 
ambulances sits a young man under strong guard whose hours on earth are numbered. 
The other ambulance carries his coffin. He is going to his execution. Many before 
him have been pardoned by the president, but he will not be thus fortunate. His case is 
an aggravated one. He has been tried for three previous attempts at desertion and 
this time endeavored to pass himself off at the court martial in which he had the folly 
to give his own name, and place of birth, and also claimed to belong to a rebel 
regiment of the same number as that to which he really belonged, the Nineteenth 
Indiana. This led to his recognition by the provost marshal who had a full 
descriptive list of the prisoner. He was found guilty and sentenced to 'be shot to 
death with musketry, in presence of the division, on Friday the 12th day of June inst., 
between 12 M. and 4 p. m. 

At about 2 o'clock the Iron Brigade led the column into a field, preceded by 
the prisoner sitting on his coffin. In silence, three sides of a hollow square were 
formed. The coffin was placed upon the ground, the prisoner alighted from the 
ambulance with the chaplain who held a few moments' converse with the doomed 
man, knelt and prayed with him, and then withdrew a little distance. 

The detail of twelve men who were to execute the sentence were ordered out in 
line, when General Wadsworth addressed them for a few moments. They received 
their instructions and moved in single file in front of a line of guards, with loaded 
musketry, and as the two lines faced each other, the muskets were taken one by one 
from the guard and passed to the detail for the execution, the officer inspecting the 
lock to ascertain if it was in good condition. They were then marched in single file 
in front of the coffin and about ten paces distant. 

In the meantime, from a desire of the prisoner, the Chaplain came forward the 
second time. Some moments were spent in solemn conversation and prayer, both 
kneeling, and as the very air grew still with the hush of death's angel and each heart- 
beat of the thousands standing around them seemed measured by minutes, they rose 
to their feet. The Chaplain spoke a last word commending a fellow-mortal's spirit to 
God, received his last message, pressed his hand and turned away. The last moment 
had come. 



FROM CHANCELLORSVILLE TO GETTYSBURG. 



145 




146 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

As the marshal stepped toward him, the prisoner took off his hat, placed it on' 
the ground, and as he turned to his coffin he stood face to face for an instant with his- 
executioners, and beyond them the long lines of his comrades who gave him a last, 
sad, pitying look. However just and necessary the penalty, there is something in 
such a moment that can scarcely be felt but once, and that at such a time. He was 
calm and resigned; moved with steady step to his coffin and sat upon it. He said to 
the marshal that he woiild rather not have his arms pinioned or his eyes blindfolded, 
as he was not afraid of the death he was about to meet, but if it was according to 
custom he would not object. 

He took his last look of earth. Whether his thoughts were there or elsewhere, 
God only knows. The day was most beautiful, and the summer's sun in its warmest 
brightness fell around him. The field was green and wavy in its verdure. It was 
the last. A handkerchief was placed over his eyes, and his arms and legs were 
bound. Then only, a slight shudder passed through him. His shirt was ripped open 
and his breast made bare. All was ready. At the command "attention," the usual 
word of caution or preparation, they were to fire. The hat was lifted — 10,000 eyes 
were strained in one breathless gaze — it was lowered, and many eyes withdrew from 
the sight that was to follow. The report of arms was heard and a lifeless body fell 
backward to the dust ! 

A comrade had died at the hands of his fellow soldiers by the same death he 
feared to meet in the ranks of patriotism. He had cravenly deserted them in the 
hour of danger and had now paid the penalty. Better had he died amid the carnage 
of the deadly field and won a heroic fame; better had he borne a maimed and 
shattered body through his waning years; better have nobly done his duty and been 
honored as one of his country's best defenders in her need ! The division marched 
by the corpse, the burial detail struck their spades into the earth; the body limp and 
bleeding, with four bullet holes through the heart, was placed in the coffin, the 
column moved forward to the dusty road on its march, and we leave each to his own 
reflections. 



The young man up to an hour before his death expected to be 
pardoned, as had been done so often in other cases of the death 
Sentence, and as the Army was on the march this expectation was 
increased. But the Lieutenant in charge of the guard informed him 
that he must surely die that day, when his demeanor assumed a more 
serious aspect. Doubtless then his mind turned towards friends 
with a regret that he had not performed the whole duty of a soldier. 
William Smith of Company B was one of his guards that day. Thomas 
Nixon of B, and Joshua Minthorn of C, were on the detail from the 
Twenty-fourth to do the shooting which was done by a selection of 
men from the different regiments of the Iron Brigade. The provost 
marshal informed the shooting party that the man must be killed and 
that it was better for each one to take good aim and kill him instantly 
than to wound and only half kill him. They were told that one gun 
of the twelve was empty or filled with a blank cartridge, and each man 



FROM CHANCELLORSVILLE TO GETTYSBURG. I47 

of the detail might suppose himself to have that gun. It was a most 
melancholy experience for all who saw it and one that none could 
desire to witness again. 

FORCED MARCH TO CENTERVILLE. 

After the execution, the column moved at a quick pace to Deep 
Run and encamped at the mill near the Junction of the Warrenton 
and Barnett's Ford roads, the Twenty-fourth advancing half a mile in 
support of the picket line. The men recognized the right-hand road 
as the one they marched clown last fall from Warrenton to 
Fredericksburg. The face of the country robed in its summer dress 
appeared finer than the hard trodden barriers of Stafford Heights. 

At daylight on Saturday morning, June 13, the regiment marched 
on through Grove Church, halting an hour at "Cool Spring;" thence 
four miles to Morrisville, places with scarce half a dozen houses each. 
Few houses are required in Virginia for towns of high sounding 
names. They frequently have but one street, the road that passes 
through them. Moving on through Bealton Station, they halted for 
the night two miles beyond, at Liberty Church. 

Six o'clock Sunday morning, June 14, found the column again 
advancing, halting for a brief rest at Germantown, the birthplace of 
Chief Justice Marshall. This section bears the name of " Effingham 
Forest " after Lord Effingham of colonial times. Another march 
brought the regiment to Warrenton Junction at 2 P. M. where a halt 
was made for " coffee," which favorite beverage being swallowed, a 
quick pace was taken through Catlett's to Kettle Run, within a mile 
of Bristow Station. It was after dark, but only a brief halt was 
allowed for supper. 

Colonel Morrow informed the men that it Avas necessary to go 
forward still further that night, as it was a question of speed whether 
they or the enemy would first reach the Centerville Heights. All 
day the weather was hot and roads dusty, many falling out of the 
ranks exhausted and sinking to the ground. For three miles before 
the halt for supper at Kettle Run, the men became frantic for water, 
as there was none save now and then in some mudhole or slimy frog 
marsh. 

Crossing Kettle Run after an hour's halt, by stepping from stone 
to stone in the darkness, and later in the night Broad Run also, in the 
glare of torches and bonfires on the bank, by an improvised bridge of 
rails, they marched all night and reached Manassas Junction just before 
sunrise on Monday morning, June 15. The night march was tedious, 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 







THE MARCH FOR GETTYSBURG. 



FROM CHANCELLORSVILLE TO GETTYSBURG. I49 

though but for the need of sleep not so exhausting as in the heat of 
day. The halt for breakfast was made on the very spot beside the 
Manassas railroad track where the rest of the Iron Brigade made their 
morning meal after retreating from the bloody field of Gainesville, 
August 29, 1862. They had remained on the field till midnight to 
bury their dead, but ere the task was done had to retire, and at 
sunrise halted on this spot. 

After a rest of four hours, the Iron Brigade passed on over the 
plains of Manassas, by the fortificatins and Beauregard's headquarters. 
Yonder earthworks command the wide plain sloping towards the 
heavy timber that fills the Bull Run valley. Dark and gloomy seem 
their depths and over tree tops can be seen the Heights of Centerville, 
six miles beyond, which form the outposts of the defenses of 
Washington, twenty-five miles away. 

Captain A. M. Edwards pointed out the little grove where, with 
500 fellow prisoners, he passed the first night of his ten months' 
captivity in Dixie. The regiment entered the woods and halted for 
dinner at Blackburn's Ford suf^ciently long for the men to take a 
needed bath in the waters of the now historic Bull Run. At this Ford 
occurred the first encounter of the war between the northern and 
southern troops. The Second and Third Michigan Infantry opened 
the contest. Crossing the Ford, the regiment proceeded to Centerville, 
where it arrived at 3 P. M., encamping southeast of the village, 
seventy-five miles from Falmouth. Here the men learned the exciting 
news of the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania by Lee's army. 

NORTHWARD MARCH TO PENNSYLVANIA LINE. 

After resting till daylight of Wednesday 17, the column marched 
towards Leesburg. The weather was terrible, but the men stood it 
well until obliged to retrace their steps a mile or two on the wrong 
road, when their spirits and power of endurance waned under this 
depressing influence. They could march well through woods where 
not a breath of air stirred, or along fields under rays of a burning sun, 
but this useless marching greatly discouraged them, as an exhausting 
march is more dreaded than the deadly fight. The regiment went but 
little further that day, and crossing the Alexandria & Loudon Railroad 
near Herndon, halted to rest in an open field amid springs of clear 
water, after a march of ten miles. 

Thursday, the i8th, was a day of rest. Copious showers of rain 
fell that night and the next day, the first rainfall for six weeks. At 
1 1 o'clock on the 19th, the column moved four miles up the railroad 



150 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

towards Leesburg, to Broad Run and bivouacked near Guilford 
Station, Loudon County, Virginia. All Saturday and Sunday, the 
2 1st, the men lay under arms ready to move. Heavy firing was heard 
in the direction of Ashby's Gap. It was our Cavalry annoying Lee's 
troops on their way north. Lee had been transferring his forces via 
the Shenandoah Valley towards Maryland, and Hooker had carefully 
kept the Union Army between Lee and Washington. 

On Monday, the 22d, Colonel Morrow dismissed the commissioned 
ofificers to the camp and put non-commissioned ofificers in their places 
for a drill. Several stepped forward and successfully put the regiment 
through the battalion evolutions, much to their credit. While halting 
here for a week, the men had a good rest before the terrible events 
soon to be unfolded to history, and many a poor boy wrote his last 
letter home. 

After an all night's rainstorm, the Iron Brigade marched at 8 
o'clock on Thursday morning, the 25th, crossed the Potomac at 
Edwards' Ferry on pontoons, and proceeding through Poolsville, 
Maryland, bivouacked at dark at Darnesville near Sugar Loaf 
Mountain. A most beautiful sight was a large school of children at 
Poolsville, who gazed upon the soldiers as they marched by. One 
cannot imagine, without experience, the cheerful feeling such a sight 
induces among those who have not for months witnessed this feature 
of civilization. This reminder of home brought tears to many an eye 
of those accustomed to hardships of the campaign. The soldiers were 
welcomed all along the route, by fair women and glad children who 
hailed their protectors from war's devastation. 

Early Friday morning, June 26th, the column wound its way 
over Sugar Loaf Mountains by a very rough road, through heavy 
woods, into the valley of the Monocac)'', which was crossed at 
Greenfield Mills by a bridge 256 feet long. It rained all day, which 
made disagreeable roads, but averted the heat of the sun. Two miles 
further on the Iron Brigade halted for dinner, when a farmer dolefully 
inquired of General Meredith, if the men were burning his rails by 
Meredith's orders. The General told him that the men must cook 
their coffee, and if he was a loyal man, the government would pay 
him all damages. The country was inexpressibly beautiful with its 
fields of waving grain nestling on the mountain sides and in the valley. 
the views from the summits being most grand. Crossing the range, 
the regiment encamped one mile south of Jefferson, about six miles 
below Middletown. 




THE MARCH TO GETTYSDURO. 



152 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN, 

On Saturday the 27th, a further march of six miles was made up 
the Valley, encamping two miles northwest of Middletown, where the 
Iron Brigade halted till 3 P. M. on Sunday, June 28th, when the long 
roll beat and the troops marched across the mountain to Frederick 
City, eight miles, by a rough road north of the National Road, 
through Shookstown. On Monday, .June 29th, the march lay through 
Lewiston, Catoctin, Furnace, Franklinsville and Mechanicstown, 
(the latter overflowing with patriotism and hospitality) — to 
Emmitsburg. At this place was located St. Joseph's Academy, under 
charge of the Sisters of Charity, who in the course of this war were 
ministering angels to our sick and wounded comrades. On the 25th, 
Captain A. M. Edwards was ordered to Alexandria, to bring back 
convalescents for the First Corps. He rejoined the Army at 
Frederick, Maryland, with 1,219 ^^ ^^^is class, on the 29th. 

Leaving Emmitsburg behind on Tuesday, June 30, the Iron 
Brigade, with the Sixth Wisconsin in advance, crossed the 
Pennsylvania line, being in the van of the Potomac Army. It moved 
on five miles, nearly to Greenmount, Adams County, Pennsylvania, 160 
miles from the starting point on the Rappahannock, and bivouacked 
about noon near Marsh Creek, where the men where mustered for pay 
which many of them were never to receive. The bivouac was but six 
miles from a field which their blood will make immortal ere another 
sunset. Alas, the last campfire for many a weary soldier! 

"To-night we sleep on Bosvvorth Field — to-morrow where?" 



CHANGE OF COMMANDERS. 

In this impending crisis, another change of Commanders in the 
Army of the Potomac now seemed advisable to the Washington 
authorities, and the following address was issued : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ) 
Frederick, Md., June, 28, 1863. f 

In conformity with orders from the War Department, the command of the 
Army of the Potomac is transferred to Major-General George G. Meade, a brave and 
accomplished officer, who has nobly earned the confidence and esteem of the army on 
many a well fought field. Impressed with the belief that my usefulness as the 
commander of this army is impaired, I part from it, yet not without the deepest 
emotion. The sorrow of parting with the comrades of so many battles is relieved by 
the conviction that its courage and devotion will never cease nor fail ; that it will yield 
to my successor, as it has to me, a willing and hearty support. With the earnest 
prayer that the triumph of its arms may bring successes worthy of it and the nation, I 
bid it farewell. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. 



• FROM CHANCELLORSVILLE TO GETTYSBURG. 1 53 

In assuming command of the army General Meade said : 

The country looks to this army to relieve it from the devastation and disgrace 
of a hostile invasion. Whatever fatigues and sacrifices we may be called upon to 
undergo, let us have in view constantly the magnitude of the interests involved, and 
let each man determine to do his duty. It is with just diffidence that I relieve an 
eminent and accomplished soldier, whose name must ever appear conspicuous in the 
history of its achievements; but I rely upon the hearty support of my companions in 
arms to assist me in the discharge of the duties of the important trust confided to me. 

General Hooker's management of the Chancellorsville campaign 
had not been satisfactory to the War Department, and he was now- 
denied the command of some troops within his department which 
were afterwards placed under the command of his successor. General 
Hooker thus felt that " his usefulness as commander was impaired," 




:/V'' 



MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE G. MEADE. 



and requested to be relieved. Two days after, General Meade, awake 
to the great interests involved in the impending crisis, issued the 
following : 

The Commanding General requests that previous to the engagement soon 
expected, officers address their troops explaining the immense issues involved. The 
enemy is now on our soil. The whole country looks anxiously to this army to deliver 
it from the presence of the foe. * * * Corps and other commanders are 
authorized to order the instant death of any soldiet who fails to do his duty at this hour. 



^54 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Though measuring the importance of the struggle, this -severe 
menace was not necessary. An appeal to their honor would have 
sufficed, such as Nelson signaled from his flagship before the battle of 
Trafalgar: " England expects every man to do his duty to-day." 




BEALTON STATION, VA. SKETCHED BY H. J. BROWN. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Battle of Gettysburg. 



JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE. 

IN THE closing week of June, 1863, both the Confederate army 
under Lee, and the Union army under Meade, arrived in 
Pennsylvania, the former in advance. An important significance 
attached to the next day's bloody conflict which was necessary 
to prepare the way for a colossal Union victory two days after. 
Upon its issue depended the Nation's life. The very fate of the 
Union cause — even the recognition of the Southern Confederacy from 
a failure of the Union arms at this time — would soon be decided on 
the field of mortal combat. It was an hour of agonizing suspense, 
the darkest in our blood-stained annals. On June 29, 1863, Lee heard 
of the Union army being also in Pennsylvania and the next day 
started his forces for Gettysburg. A judge in the latter town, 
obtaining this information, sent a messenger off to a distant railroad 
station, and that night the Governor of the State thereby learned of 
Lee's intentions. The news was sent to Meade by a circuitous 
telegraphic course, and he, too, began to direct his scattered corps to 
the same place. During Tuesday, June 30, unbeknown to each other, 
Lee advanced his army eastward, while General Reynolds of the First 
(Union) Corps advanced northward, bivouacking, each, about an 
equal distance from Gettysburg, whose advantageous heights were 
most valuable to either army. 

At an early hour on Wednesday morning, July i, the men 
partook of their frugal meal of hardtack, pork and coffee, as usual. 
The Pennsylvania line had been reached and the forces of the enemy 
must be met very soon, though none suspected that the foe was 
w^ithin a few hours' march. Before resuming the daily journey it was 
deemed proper to assemble the regiment for prayer. During Chaplain 
Way's invocation, cartridges and hardtack were dis^ibuted among the 
men. Time was precious and not to be lost. 

The line of advance was resumed up the Emmitsburg road. All 
seemed merry until yonder booms and pufTs of cannon smoke told 

(155) 



156 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



plainly that the opposing pickets had met. Our Union cavalry had 
halted the enemy, dismounted, and were having a hot time to keep 
the foe in check until the approaching First Corps could arrive. 
Suddenly a fleet horseman from the front dashed up with a hasty 
message for General Meredith of the " Iron Brigade." Route step 
and merriment now gave way to a quick pace, while all non-combatants 
and pack mules were ordered to fall to the rear, as the regiment with 
its brigade filed off the road to the left about a mile from the town, 
near Cordori's House. 



CAPTURE OF ARCHERS BRIGADE — DEATH OF REYNOLDS. 

The Iron Brigade advancing in order — Second and Seventh 
Wisconsin, Nineteenth Indiana and Twenty-fourth Michigan — was 
double-quicked into line, without guns being loaded or bayonets fixed, 
which was done on the run. (The Sixth Wisconsin of this brigade 
had been detached for service elsewhere in this corps during the 
morning.) Hastening across the fields the Iron Brigade's right wing 



^^«^ vn;:5>~-Xv^:;-N' 




MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN F. REYNOLDS, KILLED AT GETTYSBURG. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 1 57 

halted on the crest of a ridge looking down into a wooded ravine, 
from which blazed a shower of bullets from Archer's Tennessee 
Brigade. Its left wing, consisting of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, 
swung clear around into the forest in the rear of this Tennessee 
Brigade. A special in the New York Tribune thus described the 
event : 

Reynolds has ridden into the angle of wood, a bow-shot from the Seminary, and 
cheers the Iron Brigade as they wheel on the flank of the oak trees for a charge. 
Like a great flail of steel they swing into the shadows with a huzza that is terrible; 
low, crouching by his horse's head, the General peeps into the depths of the grove. 
"Boom" from the oaken recesses breaks a hailstorm of lead, and Reynolds, with the 
word of command upon his tongue, falls forward. The architect of the battle has 
fallen dead across its portal ! Across the brook and up the hill, out from the wooded 
ravine, two jagged arcs leap into sight. Huzza ! From the skirts of the oak the 
great double doors of the Iron Brigade shut together, with a slam as if of colliding 
mountains, folding between them 1,500 rebel prisoners of war. 

In this maneuver, while the greater part of Archer's Brigade was 
thus captured, a large number of them ran for the railroad cut a little 
to the north and concealed themselves therein. But soon after, the 
Sixth Wisconsin of the Iron Brigade (this day on detached duty), 
succeeded in capturing this remnant of Archer's Brigade. Thus the 
Iron Brigade had the honor of capturing this whole Tennessee 
Brigade. 

The Twenty-fourth Michigan was on the extreme left of the Iron 
Brigade during the charge, and swept over the hill, down across 
Willoughby Run, swinging clear around the ravine in which was 
Archer's forces, most of whom were thus captured with General 
Archer himself. It was a victory indeed, but at the cost of precious 
lives, including its valiant color-bearer. Sergeant Abel G. Peck. The 
regiment then about-faced and drove the uncaptured foe over the 
crest and a hundred yards beyond, but soon after withdrew to the 
eastern side of the stream and hastily formed, during which 
Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Flanigan lost a leg, and Adjutant Rexford 
was severely wounded. 

BATTLE-LINE IN McPHERSON'S WOOD.S. 

The Iron Brigade was now on the extreme left of the Federal 
position, with the Twenty-fourth in the center, the Nineteenth 
Indiana on its left, and the Seventh and Second Wisconsin on its 
right, in McPherson's woods, something over a mile west of the town. 
The right of the Twenty-fourth was curved back to unite with the 

01) * 



158 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



1>- 






% 





'^n 













ROUTE OF IRON BftlGADE ON BATTLEFIELD OF GETTYSBURG, 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 1 59 

Seventh Wisconsin, its two wings forming the sides of an obtuse angle. 
The left of the Twenty-fourth extending down a hillside to a deep 
hollow was scarcely visible to the right wing, and was completely 
commanded (as was the Nineteenth Indiana) by the enemy on the 
hill opposite, a position that plainly could not be maintained. Colonel 
Morrow thought this part of the line should have been formed on the 
elevated ground behind and represented three times to headquarters 
that the position was untenable. But the invariable reply was that 
''the position must be held." 

It was now eleven o'clock, and a brief lull ensued in the enemy's 
firing, evidently to allow his tardy forces to take position. But he 
shelled the woods meanwhile, and company B, under Lieutenant Fred. 
A. Buhl, were deployed as skirmishers. The enemy's strong divisions 
■of Heth and Pender, supported by eighty pieces of artillery, 
vehemently attacked the little First Corps of 9000 men as if to 
annihilate it ere aid could come to it. Says the historian Abbott : 

Noon came and passed and no help for the dwindling band who stood among 
their dead, immovable. Glorious among this Spartan Corps flashed the Iron Brigade, 
resistless as Western nerve and pluck can be. 

It was well after one o'clock when two divisions of the Eleventh 
Corps arrived, forming a broken arc of battle-line around to the north 
of the town. But they were soon outnumbered by the arrival 
from the opposite direction of Ewell's Confederate Corps, which 
united with Hill's Corps, already confronting the First Corps, exceeded 
the Union forces nearly two to one. Two-thirds of Lee's army thus 
confronted the smallest Union Corps and part of another. 



GREAT BATTLE OF FIRST DAY — WHIRLWIND OF DEATH. 

The enemy having completely drawn two battle-lines in front 
and on the flanks of the First and Eleventh Corps, the onset of battle 
was again sounded. They approached in two splendid lines of 
battle, after forming in the woods beyond the open field. Their 
serpentine lengths of grey soon appeared, their right overlapping the 
Federal left by a quarter of a mile. General Meredith of the Iron 
Brigade was soon wounded and left the field. Some historians have 
assigned Colonel Morrow to the command of the Iron Brigade for the 
rest of the fight, but in a private letter from Colonel Henry A. Morrow 
to the author, in 1890, he disclaimed any command on that day of the 
Iron Brigade, saying that Colonel Robinson of the Seventh Wisconsin 



l6o HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOU^ITH MICHIGAN. 

took Meredith's place after the latter was wounded. Certain it is that 
Colonel Morrow retained immediate command of his own regiment 
until he was wounded himself. 

Soon after, Brockenbrough and Pettigrew's brigades attacked 
the Twenty-fourth Michigan and Nineteenth Indiana, in front and left 
flank, as if to crush them. Other troops came down upon the Seventh 
and Second Wisconsin as if to drive them in. Colonel Morrow 
directed his men to withhold their fire until the enemy should come 
within easy range, and they approached within eighty paces, so close 
that the commands of their offlcers could be heard. Soon the 
whirlwind of battle began. As the enemy approached, just in the 
rear of their line rode a Colonel on a mule repeating " Give 'em 

boys," when a bullet knocked his cap off. Catching it in his 

hand, he continued to urge on their line. 

From the nature of the ground but little injury was inflicted orb 
the enemy at this time, as their advance was not checked, and on they 
came, yelling like demons. The Nineteenth Indiana fought valiantly,. 
but overpowered by flanking numbers, with a disadvantage of position, 
they were forced back after severe loss and formed on a new line. 
This exposed the Twenty-fourth Michigan to a terrible cross fire, the 
men falling like grass before the scythe. Captain William J. Speed, as 
Acting-Major (Major Wight was acting now as Lieutenant-Colonel) 
attempted to swing back two companies on the left so as to face the 
enemy on the flank, but while executing the movement, a. 
Confederate bullet pierced his heart ! Lieutenant Gilbert A. Dickey 
and the second color bearer had been killed, several officers wounded,, 
and many of the men lay dead or wounded on this line, a superior 
force compelling them to take a new position. 

The enemy had now approached a little within the first line of 
battle of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, where they were held for some 
time, the work of death going on without ceasing. They were the 
Twenty-sixth North Carolina and expected to meet militia only, and 
have an easy victory. But their dead and wounded lay quite as 
numerous as our own among the trees. The Iron Brigade wearing a 
different head gear from the rest of our army (stiff, broad brimmed, 
tall, black hats), this unique feature made them recognized by their 
old antagonists who now were heard by our own wounded to exclaim : 

" Here are those black-hat fellows again ! This is no militia." 

They had met this Iron Brigade before, and well knew when they did 
so that business was meant. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 



i6i 




l62 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

The Second Line of Battle of the Twenty-fourth Michigan was 
speedily formed. Meanwhile, a desperate resistance was made against 
Scales' Confederate Brigade on our right, which the rest of the Iron 
Brigade, chiefly the Seventh and Second Wisconsin, aided by Battery 
B, Fourth U. S. Artillery from another section of the field, almost 
annihilated. Our fraternal Second Brigade of Wadsworth's Division 
was also doing its whole duty further to the right. Fresh regiment 
after regiment was dashed against the Iron Brigade to break the 
Federal left. The ranks of the Twenty-fourth had again become 
thinned, a windrow of killed and wounded indicating the position of 
this line. Overwhelmed again, it was forced to take another new 
position beyond a small ravine. 

On this TJiird Line of Battle its third color-bearer was killed, and 
Major Edwin B. Wight (acting as Lieutenant-Colonel) lost an eye.. 
He was thrown completely down and supposed by the men to be 
killed, but recovering himself he was forced to leave the field. 
Scarcely a fourth of the regiment taken into action could now be 
rallied. Lieutenants Safford, Shattuck and Wallace were killed, and 
twelve officers had received wounds more or less severe. For over 
two hours had the terrible conflict lasted. The Eleventh Corps was 
going to pieces, forced back by superior odds. The valiant little First 
Corps, which had borne the brunt of the battle since early morning, 
had been forced back on its right. Long had Wadsworth held its line. 
"The fire was such as veterans never saw before," says the historian 
Abbott. The nervy Iron Brigade still held out against the crushing 
blows of greatly preponderating forces, doubled even, to dash it in 
pieces or capture it, and yet no orders came for it to retreat. 

We can say but little of the other regiments of the Iron Brigade 
at this time, or until the conflict ended. No General seems to have 
been giving orders to them or to the brigade. Each regiment was 
fighting by itself, and none seem to know what the others were doing,, 
except to be hotly engaged like themselves. The Twenty-fourth 
regiment had now retired from the woods into the open field towards 
the Seminary. 

A Fourth Line of Battle was next attempted. The last of the 
color-guard planted the flag around which to rally the men. He was 
shot in the breast and left on the field. The entire color-guard now 
being gone, Colonel Morrow took the flag to rally the remnant of his 
devoted band of Wayne County boys and men, when a private took 
the colors from his hands and was instantly killed by the Colonel's 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 163 

side. Lieutenant Humphreyville was killed on this line, and Colonel 
Morrow again seized the colors. 

A Fifth Line of Battle was attempted where he planted the 
colors. On this new line, while waiving his sword over his head to 
rally the men, Captain O'Donnell was instantly killed, and Lieutenant 
Grace received two wounds, both of which were mortal. Gradually 
contesting every foot of ground, step by step, frequently almost 
surrounded, through and out of the woods and over the open field, 
what was now left of the Twenty-fourth had been forced back to the 
friendly rail fence barricade just west of the Seminary. 

Its Sixth Line of Battle was attempted to be formed at this 
place. It fought for a time, during which Colonel Morrow, holding 
aloft the bullet-riddled flag, received a wound in his head and was 
forced to leave the field, first turning the command of the regiment 
over to Captain A. M. Edwards, the senior officer now present. 

Captain Edwards took the flag and waiving it, the men who were 
left gallantly rallied to it as well as some of the rest of the Iron 
Brigade. This was the last stand made by the Union troops on that 
part of the field. The position was held amid a murderous fire from 
front and flank, until orders came from General Doubleday (command- 
ing the First Corps since Reynolds' death in the morning) to fall back, 
the first order of the kind received during the struggle. Captain 
Edwards, still carrying the flag, led the way through the town to the 
Cemetery, followed by only twenty-six of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan, in comparative good order. What were left of the Iron 
Brigade were soon after moved to Gulp's Hill and a new line formed 
with the Twenty-fourth Michigan on the left. It reached from the 
top of the elevation to the foot of the hill facing the town. A 
sorrowful band, indeed, that night ! Of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
only ninety-nine men and three officers could be rallied to the flag, 
out of 496 who followed it into action that morning. 

DEVOTION TO THE FLAG. 

The conduct of the Twenty-fourth Michigan in this first day's 
battle, from Colonel to private, was a series of the most heroic and 
brilliant acts of supporting and rallying on the flag, amid showers of 
leaden hail, ever known in the annals of war, and conferred immortal 
honor upon that Spartan band as lasting as the blue sky that looks 
down upon that field of carnage and glory. 

When its flag was presented to the regiment in Detroit, a solemn 
vow was taken, never to allow it to trail before the enemy or fall into 



164 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



his hands. That flag, pierced by twenty-three fresh bullets from the 
enemy's guns, aside from those that splintered its staff in this 
engagement, spoke more forcibly than any words could, with what 
sacredness the vow was kept. 

The noble and stalwart Color-Sergeant, Abel G. Peck, in whose 
keeping the colors were placed, on the Campus Martins, yielded up 
his life in their defense, early in the morning fight, being the first man 
of the regiment killed in this battle. Before they touched the ground, 
as Peck fell, Color-Corporal CHARLES Bellore of E sprang forward 
and seizing the colors, bore them aloft as the troops advanced to the 
capture of Archer's Brigade. Bellore, too, was killed in McPherson's 
woods near the second line of battle. 




DEFENDING THE COLORS AT GETTYSBURG, JULY 1, 1863. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 165 

Private AUGUST EARNEST of K now took the colors from the 
ground and carried them until the third line of battle was formed, 
when he, also, shared the fate of his comrades. When Earnest 
dropped dead, the flag fell with him at the feet of First Sergeant 
EVERARD B. Welton of H, who reached forward and picked it up, 
holding it till Colonel Morrow ran to him and took the thrice 
prostrated flag from his hands. He gave it to Color-Corporal 
Andrew Wagner of F, who boldly waved it in the face of the 
advancing foe, and under a terrific fire, took a new position indicated 
to him by Colonel Morrow. Wagner in turn, the last of the Color 
Guard, was shot and fell with the colors. Colonel Morrow took them 
from under Wagner, and, assuring him that his wound was not mortal, 
himself bore them until Private WiLLlAM Kelly of E came up and 
took them, saying: "The Colonel of the Twenty-fourth Michigan shall 
not carry the colors while I am alive." In an instant after his lifeless 
body lay at the feet of the Colonel ! 

After the death of the brave Kelly, the flag was carried for a time 
by Private LiLBURN A. SPAULDING of K, when Colonel Morrow again 
took it and made another effort to rally his more than thrice 
decimated ranks. He carried it aloft until he himself was wounded 
near the Seminary. 

Somewhere between the first line of battle in McPherson's woods 
and the rail fence barricade near the Seminary, Corporal WiLLIAM 
ZlEGLER of A, was instantly killed, and Sergeant WiLLIAM J. Nagle 
of A, Corporal THOMAS SUGGETT of G and Private Thomas B. 
Ballou of C were mortally wounded, each while acting as color 
guard. 

What became of the colors or who took them after Colonel 
Morrow was wounded, will ever remain a mystery known only to the 
God of heaven and the brave spirit of him in whose possession they 
were found. Soon after assuming command. Captain A. M. Edwards 
saw the flag lying on the ground in the hand of a dead or dying 
soldier boy, who was reclining on his right side, his gun being near 
him. Captain Edwards took the flag from the young soldier's hands 
which were grasping it with a deathlike grip, and after rallying the men 
to it amid a shower of bullets, bore it through the town to the 
Cemetery, where he planted it near a battery, and sat down on a grave 
stone while the remnant of the regiment rallied about its bullet-riddled 
folds. 

Few instances of such devotion to the flag can be found in the 
history of any war. During this first day's fight, the flag of the 



l66 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Twenty-fourth Michigan was borne by no less than ten different 
persons, five of whom were killed and two were wounded, while one 
other of the color guards was instantly killed and three others 
mortally wounded. 

Nine color bearers and guards of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
lost their lives or received mortal wounds in the defense of its flag 
this first day of the great battle, a bloody but most glorious record. 

RESULTS OF THE FIRST DAY'S BATTLE. 

For many years Pickett's charge on the third day was considered 
the chief feature of the battle of Gettysburg, and the fighting on the 
second and third days, when all of both armies were in line, had 
attracted most attention. But a closer study of the whole field shows 
that the first day's struggle Avas the greatest, the losses on this first 
day exceeding those of either of the next two days' fight. 

Fox, who has become the acknowledged authority, in his " Book 
of Regimental Losses," says : 

This Corps (ist) did some of the best fighting of the war. It fought that day 
with no other protection than the flannel blouses that covered their stout hearts. 

Fox also says: "The First Corps entered the fight with 9,403 
men and lost 6,024;" also, that "The Eleventh Corps had less than 
9,000 engaged and lost 3,801," a total of 18,000 men engaged with 
over 25,000 of the enemy. 

Fox says further: "The Iron Brigade lost 1,153 men out of 1,883 
there engaged, or sixty-one per cent ! " 

A Public Journal in war days said : 

"It was to the Iron Brigade more than any other that the nation owes its 
salvation at Gettysburg, and we say not more than history will verify, that of all the 
heroic regiments which fought there, the Twenty-fourth Michigan stands preeminent 
for its devotion and valor. Against the overwhelming hordes of the enemy, it stood 
for hours, a wall of granite, which beat back, again and again, the resolute but 
baffled foe." 

For three days the contending hosts fought and more than 
40,000 men lay dead and wounded on this immortal field. Of the 400 
Union regiments, all of which distinguished themselves for valor at 
Gettysburg, Detroit and Wayne County, Michigan, sent forth the 
one which suffered there the greatest number of casualties. Says 
Fox : " This melancholy honor belongs to the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan Infantry." 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 167 



TERRIBLE BATTLEFIELD DUEL, 

A most notable incident of opposing valor occurred on the first 
day, between the Iron Brigade and Pettigrew's Confederate Brigade. 
These two brigades fought facing each other, frequently not over four 
or six rods apart. For two hours they shot each other down, at such 
remarkably short range, in open field, and with an unflinching 
tenacity which is worthy of historical record for all time. 

It is a coincidence that the Iron Brigade lost the heaviest of any 
brigade at Gettysburg and that Pettigrew's Brigade which fought 
against it, suffered next to the heaviest loss of any of the Confederate 
Brigades engaged there, being exceeded only by a loss of eighty-six 
more men in Armistead's Confederate Brigade in Pickett's Charge. 

It is another coincidence that the two opposing regiments which 
sustained the greatest loss at Gettysburg belonged, the one 
(Twenty-fourth Michigan) to the Iron Brigade and the other, 
(Twenty-sixth North Carolina) to Pettigrew's Confederate Brigade. 

A comparison of these two regiments on that day, which faced 
each other down to death, tells the pointed story of the terrible 
combat : 

TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. TWENTY-SIXTH NORTH CAROLINA. 

Entered battle with - - - 496 men ; 800 men. 

Killed and wounded, - - 316 " 588 " 

Missing in action, - - - 81 " 120 " 

Remaining, - - - 99 " 92 " 

Per cent, of killed and wounded, 64 73.5 

Per cent, of loss, - - 80 88.5 

It is said that in two companies of the Twenty-sixth North 
Carolina, not a man ever reported for duty after this battle. Such 
valor deserves a distich in immortal verse. Mortal can never tell 
what would have been the loss figures, had these two regiments and 
brigades fought till dark. Each seemed determined to exterminate 
the other, and the faster the comrades fell, the cooler and harder the 
balance seemed to fight. It was undoubtedly the liveliest "shooting 
match " that ever occurred on a battlefield. 

THE day's defeat A GREAT VICTORY. 

And thus the enemy's lines were held back, hour after hour, by 
the little First Corps and part of the Eleventh Corps, till the friendly 
sunset and darkness came, while Meade's absent corps, by forced 
marches, were hastening to the field. Though the Union troops 



l68 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

which fought the first day were decimated and forced back from their 
fighting ground, they had in reahty won a great victory whereby 
Cemetery Ridge, Gulp's Hill and Round Top were saved to 
the Union army and a great victory made possible two days after. 
And of all the troops who so valiantly faced the whirlwind of death 
that day, history will accord to the Iron Brigade the honor of being 
the last to leave the field. Three days after. General Wadsworth 
paid Golonel Morrow and his command the following high tribute: 

Colonel Morrow, the only fault I find with you is that you fought too long, but 
God only knows zuhat would have become of the Army of the\Potomac if you had not held 
the ground as long as you did. 

The remark will apply equally to the other regiments of the Iron 
Brigade. The Confederate dead and wounded were too numerous 
over the field for the daring Lee to venture his rashness further that 
night. He arrived upon the field in time to see the last of our forces 
cHmbing up Cemetery Hill, and beheld up there the lunettes which 
the considerate Prussian officer. General Steinwehr, of the Eleventh 
Corps, with Germanic coolness and foresight, had hastily constructed 
during the day's fighting. And thus ended this first day's contest, 
with victory apparently with the Confederates, yet really the Union 
army remnant had secured and firmly held. the advantageous heights 
and vantage ground for the remainder of the struggle. 

SECOND day's battle. 

By Thursday forenoon, July 2d, both armies had fairly got into 
line. The Union army had seven small corps (82,000 men and 300 
cannon) arranged in fish hook shape from Gulp's Hill on its right, to 
Round Top on its left, in order following: On Gulp's Hill — the 
Twelfth Corps (Slocum's) and First Division (Wadsworth's) of First 
Corps; on Cemetery Hill — Eleventh Corps (Howard's), Second 
Corps ( Hancock's) and the rest of the First Corps ; along Cemetery 
Ridge — the Third Corps (Sickles'), Fifth Corps (Sykes') and Sixth 
Corps (Sedgwick's). Lee had three large corps (70,000 men and 250 
cannon) arranged as follows: First Corps (Longstreet's) and Second 
Corps (Hill's) extending from in front of Round Top on his right, 
along Seminary Ridge and through the town, uniting with the Third 
Corps (Ewell's) in front of Gulp's Hill, on the left. 

Meade intended his left to extend to Round Top, but Sickles 
seeing higher ground in his own front, moved his corps half a mile 
out to the Emmitsburg road. At 4 o'clock, his line was vigorously 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 169 

assaulted, during which he lost a leg, and the Confederate General 
Barksdale was mortally wounded. His lines were forced back to 
Cemetery Ridge. This action is known as the Peach Orchard battle, 
from the fact of its occurrence in an orchard of peach trees. The 
locality is still planted to peach trees as in those days. 

The enemy then advanced to capture Little Round Top. but 
General Warren had been up there during the fighting below and 
noting its value, spurred his horse down the slope and hurried up a 
few regiments to possess it. A battery had to be dragged up its 
rocky sides by ropes, wheels and pieces at a time, and Round Top 
was saved. Some Michigan sharpshooters held the enemy back when 
they first came up to the attack, a fact confessed by General 
Longstreet, on a visit to the field at the dedication of the monuments 
in 1888, when he said in a speech: 

If you Michigan gentlemen had not detained me forty minutes on the 
morning of the second day, I should have had Round Top and the battle of 
Gettysburg would have been ours. 

It was a bloody contest below which is known as the Valley of 
Death. Next, Hancock's and Sedgwick's Corps made a counter 
charge and forced the enemy from the. foot of Cemetery Ridge back 
to the position Sickles had taken in front. This action is known as 
the Wheatfield battle, from the fact of its occurrence in a large field 
of uncut wheat. 

During this conflict, two divisions of the Twelfth Corps had been 
taken from Gulp's Hill to assist on the left. Seeing this, Ewell 
assaulted the Union right, and Johnston's Division of his Corps 
lodged itself in the works from whence our troops had been taken to 
assist Sickles, thus greatly endangering the rear of the Union right, 
for it was near our reserve artillery and the Baltimore Pike. Upon 
the return of the two divisions of the Twelfth Corps, they were 
surprised to find the enemy in their works. Thus closed the second 
day's struggle with no material advantage to either army, except the 
possession of Round Top by the Union, and the lodgment of the 
enemy's division on Gulp's Hill. 

THIRD day's battle. 

At daybreak on Friday, July 3, the Twelfth Corps opened their 
artillery into Johnston's division and at sunrise made an infantry 
attack, requiring seven hours and a terrible slaughter to dislodge them. 
Lee next attempted to break the Union center. Quiet had reigned 



I/O HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

most of the forenoon along the lines after the struggle over on 
•Gulp's Hill. But at one o'clock the great signal gun of the enemy- 
heralded the most terrific cannonading ever known on earth, 
responded to by one hundred Federal cannon along Cemetery Ridge. 
Even the wild rabbits leaped into the men's bosoms for protection 
under their blouses. The scene is thus described by a New York 
correspondent : 

The storm broke upon us so suddenly that soldiers and officers who leaped, as 
it began, from their tents or lazy siestas on the grass — were stricken in their rising with 
mortal wounds, and died, some with cigars between their teeth, some with pieces of 
food in their fingers. Horses fell writhing in hopeless agony. The boards of fences 
scattered by explosions, flew splinters through the air. The earth, torn up in clouds, 
blinded the eyes of hurrying men; and through the branches of the trees and among 
the gravestones of the cemetery a shower of destruction crashed ceaselessly. As, with 
hundreds of others, I groped through this tempest of death for the shelter of the 
bluff, an old man, a private in the Twenty-fourth Michigan, was struck, scarcely ten 
feet away, by a cannon ball, which tore through him, extorting such a low, intense 
cry of mortal pain, as I pray God I may never again hear. The hill, which seemed 
alone devoted to this rain of death, was clear in nearly all its unsheltered places, 
within five minutes after the fire began. 

After three hours of cannonading, in which the very hills 
trembled, the fire of the Union guns was slackened to allow them to 
cool, in the vicinity where the attack to follow was designed to be 
made by the enemy. They supposed the silence resulted from 
disabled batteries and believed the moment for the infantry assault 
had come. 

PICKETT'S CHARGE. 

Their storming party, mainly Pickett's Division, had been formed, 
many thousand strong, under cover of some woods on Seminary 
Ridge. General Pickett then rode up to Longstreet and (in the 
presence of Lee) saluting, said in a chivalrous manner: "Give me 
the order to advance, sir." Longstreet felt that the charge would be 
a mistake and had so expressed his mind to Lee, but without avail. 
Knowing it had to be, but unwilling to give the order, he turned his 
face away from Pickett who said : " I shall go forward with my 
command, sir." He spurred his horse back to the charging column. 
His Virginians hesitated to move. Knowing what was expected of 
them, by that wonderful discernment or intuition of the ranks 
which often occurs, they did not believe they would succeed. They 
had bidden each other farewell, had shaken hands in dying friendship, 
and naturally of one mind desired a moment longer of life. Presently 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, 171 

someone cried out, "Oh, boys, do you want to live forever?" and with 
a yell away they started for glory and death. 

Emerging from the woods, they disclosed column after column of 
grey in brigade length fronts, and began to cross the mile of interval 
between them and the Union lines. As they passed down the slope 
of Seminary Ridge, they swept along under the friendly fire of their 
own cannon to disconcert the Union lines in their front. Then they 
must pass half a mile over a level plain and still ascend the Cemetery 
Ridge. As they drew into view out of the woods, every battery from 
Round Top along Cemetery Ridge to Culp's Hill poured shell and 
canister among them. At this the Confederate guns turned their 
attention to the Union cannon which however paid no regard 
whatever to these more distant foes, but continued to send every shot 
into Pickett's advancing columns. 

They wavered not, but closed up their ranks gallantly, crossed the 
Emmitsburg road in proud array and swept on up the gradual ascent. 
Pickett, as if to mislead the Union generals, halted his column, as he 
neared the Union lines, and wheeled his front to the left to strike the 
Union line at an unexpected point, leaving the rest of his column to 
move directly forward. Meanwhile, the work of death from the 
Union guns was perceptible in their decimated ranks. The Union 
infantry moved upon both flanks of one of their storming columns 
unexpectedly, and thus it was double flanked and getting grape and 
canister from front. Their other column moved straight forward to 
the Union lines. As they approached on up the gentle slope of the 
Ridge, General Gibbon ordered his infantry to fall back to the rear of 
his batteries, which double-shotted with grape at thirty paces, swept 
down the foe like a cyclone. For a few moments a hand to hand 
contest was waged. They had pierced the Union line and planted 
their flag even at the clump of trees, their objective point, but for a 
moment only. Their General Armistead was taken from his horse 
mortally wounded, and the Federals from all sides drove the foe down 
the slope when our artillery again played upon them, as fresh troops 
were seen coming to their aid. Many threw themselves upon the 
ground in token of surrender and crawled up to the guns, without 
their arms, under the belching fire, and gave themselves up. But 
a remnant of Pickett's men returned to their lines. The battle 
was ended and no shout went up in the Soitthern Confederacy from 
that hour. The bloody water-mark of the rebellion here reached 
its highest ebb, and the Southern cause waned from that hour. 



1/2 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

European nations had little confidence in the success of the Southern 
cause henceforth. 

It was the design to have Stuart's Cavalry of the enemy come 
through from the opposite side at the time of Pickett's charge, but 
unknown to the Confederate Generals, when Pickett set out on his 
death march, the Union cavalry had met and utterly defeated and 
routed this branch of the Confederate service. In this engagement 
the Michigan Cavalry Brigade took an important part and won 
honorable distinction. 

COMPARATIVE LOSSES. 

A comparison of the commands which sustained the heaviest 
losses, on both sides, will be interesting. By Corps the losses were as 
follows : 

UNION CORPS. CONFEDERATE CORPS. 

First, 8 Brigades, 6,052 First, 13 Brigades, 7,354 

Second, 11 Brigades, . . . 4,351 Second, 14 Brigades, . . . 6,912 

Third, 7 Brigades 4,198 Third, 15 Brigades, .... 6,649 

Fifth, 9 Brigades, .... 2,186 Cavalry and revised losses, . 6,610 

Sixth, 10 Brigades, .... 242 

Eleventh, 7 Brigades, . . . 3,801 '^°^^^' ^7.525 

Twelfth, 7 Brigades, .... 1,082 

Artillery Reserve, .... 242 

Cavalry, etc 849 

Total, 23,003 

The above figures include killed, wounded and captured, or 
missing. The killed and wounded in both armies amounted to 40,261. 
The brigades that suffered the most were as follows: 

Armistead's, Confederate 1,191 

Iron Brigade, Union, i,i53 

Pettigrews's, Confederate 1,105 

, Union, 1,041 

Cutler's (Wadsworth's Division), Union, 1,002 

As to regiments, the following sustained the greatest losses: 

Twenty-sixth North Carolina, Confederate, 702 

Twenty-fourth Michigan, Union, 397 

One Hundred and Fifty-first Pennsylvania, Union, . . . 337 

One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, Union, . . 336 

One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York, Union, . . . 307 

The highest per cent of loss in numbers were : 

Twenty-sixth North Carolina, Confederate, . . 88.5 per cent. 

First Minnesota, Union, 86 

Twenty-fourth Michigan, Union 80 " " 

And each of the regiments above more than . . 70 " 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. I 73 

Though larger forces had contended in battle, Gettysburg has few 
parallels in history. At Leipsic — "The Battle of the Nations" — 
the numbers were far greater, the Allies having 330,000 and Bonaparte, 
175,000. Borodino was the bloodiest battle since the introduction 
of gunpowder in war. There the killed and wounded were numerically 
greater than at Gettysburg or Waterloo, yet the per cent of loss was 
much less. The two great battles of this century were Waterloo and 
Gettysburg, and a striking comparison exists between these 
engagements: 

At GeUysburg the Unionists had 82,000 men and 300 guns. 
" " Confederates had 70,000 men and 250 guns. 

" " " Union loss was 23,003 men. 

" Confederate loss was 27,525 men. 
At Waterloo the French had 80,000 men and 252 guns. 
" " " Allies had 72,000 men and 186 guns. 

" " Bonaparte's loss was 26,300 men. 

" " Wellington's loss was 23,185 men. 

After Pickett's charge, both armies seemed to be dazed at the 
terrible struggle. Immediately Lee began to make arrangements for 
retreat, and at dark it began. By the next morning his whole army 
was fairly on the road for the South except a few pickets left for effect. 
For this escape there was no little criticism. After accomplishing 
this great victory, after an one hundred and sixty mile march from 
the Rappahannock, whereby the life of the nation was saved ; our 
army was saved; Washington, Philadelphia and New York were saved 
from the invading foe, and he was soundly threshed and hastening 
away — after all this in a three days' battle at such an awful cost of 
life and wounded, the ever dissatisfied critics who never did anything 
themselves towards putting down the rebellion, found fault because 
Meade and his wearied army did not do more — did not in fact capture 
or annihilate Lee's army. We have no language to express the 
supreme meanness and shallowness of any such expectation. The 
shattered brigades and regiments had suffered too much, on both 
sides, for either army to surround or subdue the other. Their 
numerical forces were yet too nearly alike. However, it is impossible 
to say what might have been, had these critics been in the ranks at 
the time to assist. 

EXPLANATION OF MAP. 

The top of the map is due north. Gettysburg is 35 miles southwest of 
Harrisburg, Penn. Population, 3,000. Cemetery Hill is half a mile south of the 
town. Cemetery Ridge extends three miles further south to the Round Tops. 
(12) 



174 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 




MAP OF THE 
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, 
JULY 1, 3, 3, IS 

- - UNION LINES. 

^•^m CONFEDERATE LINES. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 1/5 

Nearly parallel with and nearly a mile west of Cemetery Ridge, runs Seminary Ridge, 
taking its name from the Lutheran Seminary half a mile west of the town. 
McPherson's woods are less than half a mile west of the Seminary. On west towards 
Willoughby Run a short distance, was the Twenty-Fourth Michigan's first line of 
battle in the woods. Gulp's Hill is half a mile east of Cemetery Hill. The 
"Wheatfield" is about half way on a direct line as you look from Little Round Top 
to the Peach Orchard. Looking down, a little southwest, is seen " Devil's Run," and 
a little distance beyond is the " Loop." North of the town is Pennsylvania College. 
Beyond and to the left is Oak Hill. The Tarrytown road south, runs over and just 
east of Cemetery Ridge. The "Clump of Trees," the end of Pickett's charge, is a mile 
and a half south of the town, on the west side of Cemetery Ridge and near to it is the 
" Bloody Angle." One mile south of town, on the Emmitsburg Road, is the Cordori 
Farm where the Iron Brigade filed off towards McPherson's woods to capture Archer 
and his brigade. 

THERE HAS BEEN A BATTLE. 

There has been a battle, as the words along the lines come thrilling. 

The mighty East and West and North, with the giant echo filling ; 

And all along the busj^ street, amid the rush and rattle. 

The hurrying men pause as they meet, to say, "There has been a battle." 

Sitting in idle quiet here, in my low chamber lonely. 
Their eager voices meet my ear, but not their voices only. 
The loitering breezes o'er and o'er are telling me the story, 
Of faces that shall come no more, and battlefields all gory. 

Of brave men in the carnage killed, still on the red ground lying. 
And hospitals whose wards are filled with true hearts slowly dying ; 
And forms the noblest of the North, who fought and faltered never, 
That must from those dear wards go forth as crippled forms forever. 

And lightly borne across the moor, by the low south wind sweeping, 
There comes to me from many a door, the voice of many weeping ; 
Weeping above their battle dead, in hopeless, helpless sorrow; 
Refusing to be comforted through faith in any morrow. 

—By M. IV. Edgar. 

LOSSES OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN AT GETTYSBURG. 

KILLED. Color Guard. 

Officers. Sergt. Abel G. Peck, C. 

Corp. Charles Bellore, E. 

-Capt. William T. Speed, D. ,, ^r-n- v i a 

r i ^ William Ziegler, A. 

" Malachi T. O'Donnell, E. u • . a . it f i- 

-' Private Augustus Ernest, K. 

1st Lieut. Walter H. Wallace, K. .. William Kelly, E. 

" WiNFIELD S. SaFFOKD, C. tt , t, ,..;„'„ fl„„ 

' Unknown Boy, grasping nag. 

Newell Grace, H. 

2d Lieut. Reuben H. Humpiireyville.K. Non-Commissioned. 

" Lucius L. Shattuck, C. ist Sergt. Andrew J. Price, B. 

" Gilbert A. Dickey, G. " Charles Bucklin, F. 



176 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



1st Sergt. William H. Luce, G. 
Sergt. George Cline, B. 

" Joseph Eberly, D. 

" George O. Colburn, G. 

" John Powell, H. 
Corp. William Carroll, B. 

" John H. Pardington, B. 

" Otis Southworth, C. 

" David E. Rounds, D. 

" James Sterling, D. 

" Iltid W. Evans, F. 

" Jerome P. Fayles, G. 

" John W. Welsh, G. 

" George N. Bentley, I. 

" James B. Myers, I. 

" Jerome P. Lefevre, K, 

Privates. 

Joseph Carroll, A. 
Garrett Chase, A. 
John Dingwall, A. 
Augustus Jencks, A. 
Michael Tiernay, A. 
Mathew Duncan, B. 
George L. Cogswell, C. 
Oliver C. KcUey, C. 
John E. Ryder, C. 
John Dwyer, D. 
John Groth, D. 
William H. Houston, D. 
James Doyle, E. 
Thomas S. Orton, E. 
William S. Bronson, F. 
James Hubbard, F. 
Ernest F. Argelbeim, G. . 
Elias B. Browning, G. 
Charles Coombs, G. 
George A. Codwise, G. 
Patrick Hefferman, G. 
John Martin, G. 
George H . Pettinger, G. 



John Shoane, G. 
Albert Wasso, G. 
Dr. Robert R. Herrman, H. 
Edward B. Harrison, H. 
James Mooney, I. 
Adolphus Shephard, I. 
Henry Viele, I. 
Peter Case, K. 
David F. Delaney, K. 
Conrad Gundlack. K. 
Lewis Harland, K. 
Henry W. Jamieson, K. 
Elijah P. Osborne, K. 
Andrew Smith, K. 

MORTALLY WOUNDED. 

On Color Guatd. 
1st. Sergt. William J. Nagle, A. 
Corp. Thomas Suggett, G. 
Private Thomas B. Ballou, C. 

Rank and File. 
Corp. Edward Dwyer, B. 

'•■ John M. Walls, E. 

" Charles E. Crarey, H. 
John S. Rider, B. Arm amputated. 
William Williams, B. Leg amputated. 
Mason Palmer, D. Arm amputated. 
Henry C. McDonald, B. 
Edward M. Corey, C. 
Lucius W. Chubb, C. 
Eliphalet Carleton, D, 
Charles Ruff, D. 
Charles Paton, E. 
John McNish, F. 
Josiah P. Turner, F. 
Henry Crothine, G. 
Myron Demary, H. 
John Dubois, I. 
Nelson Harris, I. 
Hiram A. V.'illiams, I. 



OTHER WOUNDED. 

Col. Henry A. Morrow, in head, and prisoner, Field Officer. 
Lieut. -Col. Makk Flanigan, leg amputated, Field Officer. 
Major Edwin B. Wight, sight of right eye lost, Field Officer. 
Capt. William W. Wight, wounded slightly, K. 

" William H. Rexford, hip and thigh, B. 

" Charles A. Hoyt, ankle and arm, C. 

" William Hutchinson, thigh and groin, G. 

" Richard S. Dillon, wounded four times, A. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 



177 



1st Lieut. John M. Farland, in groin by fall, D. 

" Frederick A. Buhl, in leg badly, B. 

" Edwin E. Norton, arm, E. 
2d Lieut. Michael Dempsey, hip, E. 

" William R. Dodsley, shoulder, H. 

" Abraham Earnshaw, breast, I. 
Sergt. -Major Andrew J. Connor, shoulders, N. C. S. 
Color-Corp. Andrew Wagner, lungs, F. 
1st Sergt. Asa Joy, leg amputated, C. 
Sergt. Edgar O. Durfee, arm amputated, C. 

" John W. McMillan, leg amputated, G. 
John Happe, foot amputated, A. 
William Smith, arm amputated, B. 
John W. Babbitt, leg amputated, C. 
Patrick Tunney, leg amputated, E. 
Eugene Sims, arm amputated, F. 
William A. Armstrong, arm amputated, G. 
Patrick Clarey, leg amputated, I. 
Richard M. Fish, leg amputated, I. 
Samuel T. Lautenschlager, in both legs, G. 
Van Rensselaer W. Lemm, in arm, H. 



Sergeants. 
(ist) George W. Haigh, knee, D. 

" Joseph R. Boyle, ribs, E. 

" Benjairiin W. Hendricks, thigh, G. 

" Albert E. Bigelow, leg, L 

" George W. Fox, arm, K. 
Hugh F, Vanderlip, thigh, A. 
George H. Pinkney, side, B. 
John M. Reed, neck, B. 
Samuel Joy, hip and arm, C. 
Augustus Pomeroy, foot, C. 
John Blackwell, three times, E. 
James D. Shearer, ankle, F. 
George H. Canfield, bowels, L 
William D. Murray, arm, I. 
Samuel F. Smith, shoulder, K. 

! Corporals. 

John S. Coy, wounded five times, A. 
Lewis E. Johnson, nose, A. 
James S. Booth, thigh, B. 
Samuel W. Church, neck, B. 
Nathaniel A. Halstead, twice, B. 
Clark Eddy, hip, C. 
Daniel McPherson, hand, C. 
Claries Pinkerton, breast, C. 
Roswell L. Root, foot, C. 
William H. Whallon, three times, C. 
Jabez Walker, arm, D. 



John W. Fletcher, twice, E. 
James S. Murphy, face, E. 
William Powers, twice, E. 
Eugene Smith, twice, E. 
George W. Chilson, body, F. 
Levi S. Freeman, body, F. 
Erastus W. Hine, body, F. 
William Kalsow, hip, F, 
Abel P. Turner, shoulder, F. 
Augustus Hussey, leg, H. 
Fred E. Welton, arm, H. 
David S. Sears, groin, I. 
Thomas D. Dushane, K. 
Jacob M. Van Riper, K. 

Privates. 

Solomon S. Benster, lungs, A. 

Francis Brobacker, body, A. 

Oscar N. Castle, body, A. 

William Dusick, thigh, A. 

Patrick Gorman leg, A. 

Walters. Niles, bowels, A. 

Abraham Schneider, thigh, A. 

Victor Sutter, Jr., w'd twice, A. 

David Wagg. thigh, A. 

Philip Weitz, groin, A. 

George Zulch, w'd four times, A. 

Andrew J. Arnold, w'd three times, B. 

Willett Brown, w'd three times, B. 



178 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



John Black, arm and leg, B. 
Richard Conners, thigh, B. 
Edward B. Chope, leg, B. 
Frederick Delosh, arm, B. 
William H. Fowler, thigh, B. 
Henry M. Fielding, ankle, B. 
Franz Koch, neck, B. 
Anton Krapohl, body, B. 
Arthur Macy, w'd twice, B. 
Terrence McCullough, leg, B. 
James Mcllhenny, neck, B. 
Thomas Nixon, leg, B. 
Patrick Shannon, w'd twice, B. 
Daniel Sulliran, finger off, B. 
Lafayette Veo, w'd three times, B. 
Henry Wallace, w'd twice, B. 
Elisha Wheeler, shoulder, B. 
Benjamin F. Brigham, thigh, C. 
Alfred Courtrite, thigh, C. 
Ammi R. Collins, arm, C. 
Charles D. Durfee, foot, C. 
Robert Everson, arm, C. 
Alvah S. Hill, leg, C. 
George W. Kynoch, shoulder, C. 
Samuel W. Phillips, foot, C. 
William H. Quance, body, C. 
Ambrose Roe, body, C. 
Christian Stockfleth, ankle, C. 
Joseph A. SafTord, body, C. 
Alfred C. Willis, hand, C. 
Peter C. Bird, thigh. D. 
Robert C Bird, arm, D. 
Henry Babcock, hand, D. 
James N. Bartlett, scalp, D. 
'Anthony Eberts, body, D. 
James H. Johnson, leg, D. 
Samuel R. Kingsley, Jr., foot, D. 
Oliver M. Moon, leg, D. 
John Moody, hand, D. 
John Orth, w'd and prisoner, D. 
Richard Palmer, body, D. 
John Renton, both legs, D. 
William W. Sands, leg, D. 
Peter Stack, thigh, D. 
Jesse R. Welch, hand, D. 
Thomas Brennan, both legs, E. 
Stephen Delorme, hand, E. 
Martin Devine, body, E. 
William Floyd, side, E. 
John Frank, thigh, E, 



James D. Jackson, hand, E. 

Frank Kendrick, w'd twice, E. 

James Laird, w'd twice, E. 

John McDermott, body, E. 

Henry Moynahan, body, E. 

Charles Patten, body, E. 

Frank Schneider, knee, E. 

Edward Tracey, w'd twice, E. 

Patrick Connelly, foot, F. 

Charles Gochy, knee, F. 

Charles E. Hale, thigh, F. 

John B. Moores, body, F. 

Solomon R. Niles, three times w'd, F. 

George F. Neef, foot, F. 

Edwin Plass, w'd twice, F. 

Peter P. Rivard, w'd twice, F. 

Frank T. Shier, w'd twice, F. 

John Stoffold, head, F. 

Mordaunt Williams, twice w'd, F. 

Amos Andrews, thigh, G. 

Charles F. Allyn, w'd twice, G. 

Michael Brabeau, head, G. 

Theodore Bach, mouth, G. 

Lyman W. Blakeley, body, G. 

John Cole, head, G. 

James Ford, knee, G. 

George Hinmonger, knee, G. 

William Harvey, w'd twice, G. 

Enoch F. Langs, w'd twice, G. 

Charles W. Langs, w'd twice, G. 
Charles G. Malley, breast, G. 
Jeremiah Sullivan, thigh, G. 

William H. Southworth, face, G. 

George E. Walker, face, G. 

Robert E. Bolger, leg, H. 

Anthony Brabeau, mouth, H. 

Michael Cunningham, arm, H. 

James F. Clegg, arm, H. 

Michael Donavan, w'd twice, H. 

Evi French, arm, H. 

Theodore Grover, leg, H. 

Morris L. Hoople, side, H. 

Charles M. Knapp, hand, H. 

Dennis Mahoney, foot, H. 

Richard A. Riley, leg, H. 

Joseph Schunck, w'd twice, H. 

Frederick Uebelhoer, thigh, IL 

Abner D. Austin, hand, I. 

Ralph Archibald, leg, I. 

Hiram Bentley, side, I. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 



179 



Seymour L. Burns, leg, I. 
Jacob H. Canfield, thigh, I. 
William Charlesworth, arm, I. 
George L. Carey, arm, I. 
Ephraim D. Cooper, w'd twice, I. 
William W. Coon, w'd twice, I. 
Francis C. Hodgman, groin, I. 
Francis Hynds, body, I. 
James Magooghan, body, I. 
Charles Robinson, body, I. 
Gilbert Rhoades, body, I. 
Henry Schindehette, leg, I. 
Wesley A. Tinkham, back, I. 
Theodore B. Thomas, arm, I, 
John R. Bruce, body, K. 
Andrew Bruihaumpt, knee, K. 
Joseph Fersfell, hip, K. 
Patrick Gaffney, thigh, K. 
David J. Kellar, back, K. 
James Leslie, arm, K. 
William D. Lyon, body, K. 
Barney J. Litogot, arm, K. 
Daniel W. Lossee, knee, K. 
Eugene R. Mills, body, K. 
Charles E. Miller, leg, K. 
Francis E. Miller, hip, K. 
Andrew J. Nowland, head, K. 
Sherman Rice, shoulder, K. 
Thomas Saunders, leg, K. 
Jerome B. Stockham, body, K. 
Enoch A. Whipple, body, K. 
Gurdon L. Wight, leg, K. 

PRISONERS OF TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN 
TAKEN SOUTH. 

Capt. George C. Gordon, I. 
1st Lieut. Afa W. Sprague, F. 
2d Lieut. H. Rees Whiting, A. 
Sergt. Charles A. King, D. 

" William H. Hoffman, H. 

" John k. King, H. 

" B. Ross Finlayson, K. 

" Ira W. Fletcher, w'd, K. 
Corp. John C. Sherwood, C. 

" James Gillespie, C. 

" John M. Andres, w'd, D. 

" Thomas G. Norton, E. 

" Henry L. Houk, w'd, L 

" Orville W. Stringer, L 



Pi-ivates. 
Max Couture, A, 
Peter N. Girardin, w'd, A. 
Augustus R. Sink, w'd, A. 
Oscar A. Eckliff, B. 
Charles D. Minckler, B. 
Morris Troutt, B. 
D. Leroy Adams, C. 
John A. Bartlett, C. 
William A. Herrendeen, C. 
Joshua Minthorn, C. 
John C. Marshall, C. 
Charles W. Root, C. 
James S. Seeley, C. 
Robert Towers, C. 
Almon J. Houston, D. 
Merritt B. Heath, D. 
George H. Lang, D. 
Melvin H. Storms, w'd, D. 
Moses Amo, E. 
Dennis Dryden, E. 
James Donavan, E. 
Lewis Grant, E. 
Robert Gaunt, w'd, E. 
Patrick J. Kinney, E. 
Nelson Pelon, E. 
Frederick Stotte, E. 
Abraham Akey, F. 
John G. Klink, F. 
Antoine LaBlanc, F. 
Joseph P. Rivard, w'd, F. 
William R. Shier, F. 
Henry Bierkamp, G. 
Philip T. Dunroe, H. 
Marquis L. Lapaugh, H. 
Frederick Bosardis, I. 
William A. Flynn, I. 
Peter Jackson, I. 
Alpheus Johnson, L 
August Lahser, w'd, I. 
David W. Tillman, L 
Franklin A. Blanchard, K 
Charles S. Hosmer, K. 
John J. Post, K. 

prisoners of TWENIY-FOURTH MICHIGAN 
paroled on field and MARCH. 

Sergt. John Hogan, E. 
" John Roach, E. 
" E. Ben Fischer, D. 



i8o 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Corp. Fred A. Hanstine, A. 
" Lewis L. Wadsworth, A. 
" William Bruskie, D. 

Privates. 

Harrison Baker, A. 
Jonathan D. Chase, A. 
John Chandler, A. 
William Rousseau, A. 
Charles Willaird, A. 
Robert Wortley, A. 
Amander G. Barns, wounded, B. 
George F. Higbee, B. 
William H. Ingersoll, B. 
Richard Maloney, wounded, B. 
John McCutcheon, wounded, B. 
Jeston R. Warner, B. 
George P. Hubbell, C. 
Draugott Haberstrite, D. 
Conrad Kocher, D. 
Henry H. Ladd, wounded, D. 
James Renton, D. 



Henry W. Randall, wounded, D. 

Albert A. Wallace, D. 

Joseph Hirsch, E. 

Henry C. Chapman, wounded, F. 

David H. Campbell, F. 

Sheldon E. Crittenden, F. 

Peter Ford, F. 

Adolph Fritsch, F. 

Elisha C. Reed, F. 

John Broombar, wounded, G. 

John Butler, G. 

John Cavanaugh, G. 

Charles A. Wilson, G. 

Thomas Fitzgibbons, H. 

John H. Fryer, K. 

Missing. 
Corp. Bela C. Ide, C. 
Herman Schullz, G. 
Nicholas Ruby, H. 
Joseph Ruby, H. 
Conrad Springer, K. 



The following is a summary of the casualties and losses of the Twenty-fourth Mich- 
igan Infantry at Gettysburg, as given above : 

1. Killed and Died of Wounds — Officers, 8 ; non-commissioned officers, 26 ; privates, 56. 
Total, 90. 

2. Wounded — Field and staff officers, 3 ; line officers, 11 ; non-commissioned officers, 48; 
privates, 170, Total, 232. 

3. Prisoner's Taken South — Officers, 3 ; non-commissioned officers, 10 ; privates, 44. 
Total, 57. 

4. Prisoners Paroled — Non-commissioned officers, 6 ; privates, 32. Total, 38. 

5. Missing — Non-commissioned officer, i ; privates, 5. Total, 6. 

6. Aggregate of casualties and losses, 422. 

7. Deduct prisoners counted among wounded, 17 ; wounded in battery, 9. Total, 26. 

8. Total net loss (besides those in batteiy), 397. 

9. Remaining with flag first night of battle, 99. 
10. Entering battle with regiment, 496. 

Fox places the death loss at 94, but since the war closed two of the reported dead have 
turned up alive. This leaves still two unaccounted for as between his research and our own. 
Total killed and wounded, 317. Per cent, of killed and wounded, 64. Per cent, of loss. 80. 
Of the captured, 5 died in confederate prisons and two died of prison disease after exchange. 
Of the wounded, 6 died of disease, 62 were transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps for 
wounds and 5 for disability ; 47 were discharged for wounds and 12 for disability. There 
returned to the regiment, 93 of the wounded and 64 of the prisoners and missing, a total of 
155, while out of the 496 who went into the battle, 240, or very nearly one-half, never again 
saw the face of the regiment. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 



I«I 



PERSONAL INCIDENTS. 

Many incidents of interest occurred in connection with the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan in this engagement. We can mention but 
few. Lieutenant WilHam R. Dodsley was the first officer of the 
regiment wounded, and Lieutenant Gilbert A. Dickey, the first offtcer 
killed. Captain Malachi J. O'Donnell was the last oflficer killed outright. 
Lieutenant Newell Grace received three mortal wounds soon after. 
Captain A. M. Edwards, Lieutenants George Hutton and John 
Witherspoon were the only ofificers left uninjured. Of the other 
twenty-five ofificers, eight were killed, fourteen were wounded and 
three captured. First Sergeant E. B. Welton of H was the only 
Orderly Sergeant left. 

Color Sergeant Abel G. Peck was the first man of the regiment 
killed on this bloody field. He was a stalwart farmer of Nankin and 
bravely met his fate. Colonel Morrow said of him : " He was 
singularly pure in his private life, and in all the engagements in which 
his regiment took part, he was conspicuous for his gallantry." Said 
Chaplain Way: "Where his body lies, none knows but 'Him who 
watches all our dust,' but his memory is embalmed in the hearts 
of his comrades." 

Private William Smith of B was the first man of the regiment 
wounded here, losing an arm. Seven of the Companies had not a 
single ofificer left, and the other three companies but one ofificer each. 
B had but ten men left, C had but three, D had eleven, I had only 
eight, and so on. 

Edward B. Harrison of H was wounded and John Malcho was 
helping him ofT the field. John W. Welsh of G took Harrison's other 
arm, and while thus assisting their wounded comrade, a Confederate 
bullet killed Welch instantly, and at the same moment another bullet 




LUTHERAN SEMINARY, QETTYSBURO. 



l82 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

instantly killed Harrison, and tore off a part of Malcho's shoe. 
Harrison and Welch fell side by side. In life they had been friends, 
and were buried in one grave. 

Corporal Thomas Suggett of G was one of the color guard and 
mortally wounded. Some time before, when Colonel Morrow called 
for volunteers for the color guard, saying, they must be men of iron, 
as the bullets would rattle off from them like hail from a roof, 
Corporal Suggett was the first to step out of the ranks to be one of 
the brave color defenders. 

Corporal Andrew Wagner who was shot through the breast while 
carrying the colors, lay twenty-four hours where he fell, and was 
robbed by the enemy of his money and shoes. Then they made for 
him a pillow as they thought, for his dying head. He was the only 
survivor of tzvo entire color guards on that day, but died of his 
wound three years later. 

Many received an additional wound while lying on the field, and 
relief did not come for several days and nights, nor until the maggots 
began to crawl and fatten in their festering wounds! Gladly would 
we continue these incidents, though some would be revolting to 
tender feelings. The recital of other events will crowd them out. 

On the morning of July i, four members of B — Andrew J. 
Arnold, George H. Pinkney, Richard Conners and John S. Rider had 
obtained the Surgeon's permission to fall out of the ranks. Upon 
hearing the booming of the cannon they realized that a battle was 
coming and desiring to keep their record unbroken by being in every 
action with their regiment, they hurried to the field to be with their 
Company. Within an hour every one of the four lay on the field with 
a bullet in his body. Rider lost an arm and'' died of his wounds. 
Such devotion to duty is worthy of record. 

'' OLD JOHN BURNS." 

On the first day of the battle. Constable John L. Burns of 
Gettysburg, over seventy years of age, upon hearing the firing, seized 
his old-fashioned rifle, ran across the field and offered his services to 
Colonel Wister of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania. 
Afterwards he went over to the Second Wisconsin on the right of the 
Iron Brigade. He wore an old banged-up, bell-crowned hat, and 
swallow-tailed coat. His unique dress and temerity in venturing into 
so dangerous a place without occasion, seemed the act of an insane 
zealot, and invited the jibes of the men. Thence he passed on to the 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 



185 



Seventh Wisconsin where he remained awhile. Next he passed over 
to the Twenty-fourth Michigan and was with the latter regiment in 
the east edge of McPherson's woods, when he was wounded. He 




JOHN BURNS OF GETTYSBURG— FROM A PHOTOGRAPH SOLD 
BY HIMSELF AFTER 'IHB BATTLE 



fought till three bullets were lodged in his body. His wounds were 
dressed by Assistant-Surgeon Collar of the Twenty-fourth Michigan. 
On July 15, 1863, Chaplain W. C. Way wrote of him thus: 

We called upon the old patriot, Mr. Burns, the other day and found him quite 
comfortable. He is the man, though past seventy, who shouldered his musket and 
went to the field and fought with the Iron Brigade. He is made of the right kind of 
stuff. Let his name be recorded in history as an example of mature patriotism. 



General Doubleday commended his conduct and the old man's 
fame has found a place in the school literature of the land. Many a 
youth has declaimed the poet's lines on his patriotic conduct. He 
lived to be over eighty years old and lies buried by his wife at 
Gettysburg. 



l84 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



EXTRACTS FROM WAR-TIME LETTERS. 

Members and friends of the Twenty-fourth Michigan remember 
with what interest were perused, in war days, the articles of S. D. G. 
in the Detroit Free Press. Their author was Sergeant Sulhvan D. 
Green of F and the N. C. S. Below are some extracts from his letters 
in those days: 

CuLp's Hill, July 2, 1863. — If ever one sat down with a sad heart to write, that 
task is mine this morning, surrounded by the broken fragments of the Twenty-fourth 
which has now indeed "been all cut in pieces." Seven officers and four of them 
wounded are all we have with us, out of twenty-eight ; and ninety-nine men out of 
five hundred and seventeen* in yesterday's field report, after the fiercest battle of the 
war. Our list of killed and wounded receives additions every few hours, from the 
missing who bring us the names of those they saw fall. This fearful list tells in 
what a storm of balls they stood their ground, slowly falling back with grim and 
bloody front to the foe, foot by foot, first to the fence then behind trees and piles of 
wood, and finally through the town, while a deadly fire, in flank and rear, cut through 
the streets. The day for us was fearful and our thoughts turn to those at home 
whose dear ones lie on yonder field; some in their last gory sleep, others suffering from 
wounds and no aid near them. Some were struck while passing through the town 
and most of those captured were taken there. 

On Battle-field, July 4, 1863. Colonel Morrow has just come out of the city, 
which the enemy left during the night, but their lines still inclose our first and 
bloodiest field. Last night the Colonel visited that scene of conflict and brought in 
some of the wounded who had lain there three days with no care except what the 
rebels bestowed, who gave them water and treated them well. They, however, 
stripped and robbed the bodies of the dead who still lie there so bloated as to be 
unrecognizable. Our wounded were full of enthusiasm, though unable to move, with 
limbs crushed and swollen, and without food. They greeted the Colonel with a cheer 
and asked him how he was now satisfied with the Twenty-fourth. 

On Battle-field, Sunday, July 5, 1863.— We have changed position to near the 
scene of the rebels' desperate and final charge. Here are evidences of the struggle — 
the ground trampled down ; buildings riddled with shot or in black ruins ; trees cut 
and fences splintered with grape on Pickett's charge. Details are still burying the 
rebel dead, and the long trenches of fresh filled earth attest the fullness of death's 
harvest, while lesser heaps of rocks and clumps of bushes show where a sharpshooter 
met his fate. Yonder is the crest of a shallow ravine, thickly wooded, and the field 
whence came the attacking forces to defeat and death. Between yonder belts of 
timber a mile away is the field of the Twenty-fourth's dead. Our comrades lie there 
unburied on the field consecrated with their blood. Some of our boys have visited the 
field and the doubt that hung over the fate of the 'missing' has been partly cleared 
away. That list, so full of suspense, has been diminished and the ' killed ' and 
'wounded' lists increased. There is no time for search for the killed that lie on all 



* Note — Twenty-one of the regiment had been detailed to do duty at Corps Headquarters and 
though carried in the field reports, were not in the action. These deducted from 517 left the 496 who 
fought ou the field. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. l8S 

portions of the field. The army is in motion towards the retreating invaders. 
Stranger hands will bury our late comrades and your friends, mourners in the 
Peninsular State, and you will think of 

"A nameless grave on the battle-field." 

They are as near heaven as if they lay in Elmwood. In this their last battle they did 
nobly sustain the honor of their State. 

Captain A. M. Edwards wrote as follows to the Detroit Tribune: 

Gulp's Hill, July 5, 1863. — I send you a list of casualties and losses as far as 
known. The list is terrible. I forbear comments. Our wounded and missing are 
mostly prisoners. Five color-bearers were killed but our colors are safe. All three of 
our surgeons are prisoners. No regiment from our State ever suffered so much in 
one battle. There will be many sad hearts in Wayne Gounty, but we carry the sweet 
reflection that our blood was not spilled in vain. We have gained a glorious victory. 
Our boys, what is left of them, are in good spirits. 

The following are extracts from Chaplain William C. Way's 
letters to the Detroit Tribune : 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 7, 1863. — It is sad to look upon the decimated ranks of 
one of the bravest regiments that ever left the Wolverine State. Gettysburg is one 
vast hospital. The Gourt House, Gollege, Seminary, Ghurches, Schoolhouses, 
warehouses and private buildings are filled with wounded. Very many are kindly 
cared for by citizens in their residences. Our surgeons, Drs. Beach and Gollar are in 
full charge of one of the hospitals. Dr. Towar has gone to the regiment. I went 
upon the field with two of our regiment and buried several of our fallen comrades, 
and there witnessed a savage vandalism — our dead were robbed of everything, their 
bodies stripped of clothing and shoes ! 

Gettysburg, July 15, 1863. — I have been constantly engaged in the comfort of 
our wounded and astonished at their cheerfulness. Their "stumps" are doing nicely. 
Our regimental band deserve credit for their efforts as nurses. The town is filled with 
sad hearted relatives. It is saddening to stand near the Express office and see the 
coffined remains of hundreds being sent to their former homes. Many are dying and 
it is almost impossible to get a coffin. 

Gettysburg, August 7, 1863. — Some of our noble boys are not yet out of 
danger, yet we trust that God will answer prayer and restore them to their friends. 
Many of the Rebel wounded are loud in their praises for their kind treatment. They 
receive the same care as our own men, which contrasts strangely with the treatment 
of our prisoners in Dixie. 

Soon after news of the battle reached Detroit, Rev. George 
Duf^eld, a very patriotic Detroit clergyman, hastened to the 
battlefield and wrote to the Detroit Tribune as follows : 

Gettysburg, July 9, 1863. — Many of our dead are still unburied. A hundred 
times to-day would I have given a score of "D. D's" for one "M. D." A single day 
here would pay for the study of surgery for a lifetime. Yesterday we started for a 
field hospital two miles from town, where were some of the Twenty-Fourth. Soon 



1 86 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

the road appeared full of wounded to whom the order had come that all able to walk 
might go to the depot and thence to Baltimore with a prospect of a furlough home. 
Oh, the magic of the word home, and what almost superhuman efforts of the 
wounded to get there! Such bandaged heads, battered faces, naked and swollen 
limbs, I pray never to see again. And then such extraordinary efforts at locomotion 
— some with one crutch, some with two, some hopping with a stick, some holding on 
by the fence, and crawling even, to lose no time. Ever since the battle the heavens 
have been pouring their tears over the scene of blood. The weather continues cool 
and thousands will owe their lives to the rain and opportune weather. The bullets 
taken from the bodies of our soldiers and which they proudly show, will be more 
precious in the eyes of posterity than pearls. 

The Detroit Board of Trade sent a committee to the battlefield 
to look after the Twenty-Fourth's men and " C. R. B." thus wrote to 
the Detroit Tribune : 

Gettysburg, July 12, 1863. — We find ourselves amid scenes only seen near a 
battlefield — streets filled with soldiers with arms in slings or heads bandaged, 
surgeons and strangers from every part of the North. The windows are removed 
from most of the houses to allow more air to the wounded within. It is sad to see 
noble forms stretched out on the floors, wounded in every way; many trying to repress 
groans of anguish; some doomed to a lingering death; others maimed for life. I was 
shocked at the sight of one of Company D lying in a feed store, shot through the 
thigh, but happy in the hope of restoration to friends. Alas, the doctors say he is 
doomed to die.* 

I walked over the field where the Twenty-Fourth fought and its dead lie buried. 
The scene of their severest fighting was in a beautiful grove, covered now with 
graves almost as thickly as in a cemetery, and nearly all the trees are bullet scarred. 
Many of the graves of our fallen are marked, but many are unrecognizable. The 
fathers of Lieutenants Dickey and Wallace found where their sons lay, and bitter 
tears were shed by these afl3icted parents over the graves of their noble boys. This 
spot should be marked by a monument to Wayne County's own regiment, that 
strangers and future generations may know of the brave conduct here, of the 
Twenty-Fourth Michigan. Is the cause they are fighting for worth all this? Go to 
the wounded soldiers on this gory field, and with sparkling eyes and flushed cheeks, 
they will answer, yes. 

Brigadier-General Meredith, who was wounded, wrote to Colonel 
Morrow on July 17, 1863, from his bed in Washington, as follows: 

I cannot longer delay tendering to you and your brave men, my heartfelt 
thanks for the gallant bearing of yourself and regiment in the battle of the ist inst. 
No troops ever fought with more bravery than did the Twenty-fourth Michigan on 
that occasion. The old Iron Brigade had to meet the first shock of a desperate attack 
of a far superior force, and nobly did it do its duty. You and your oflScers and men 
are justly entitled to a full measure of the honors won in that great conflict and will 
receive the gratitude of all who love our glorious Union and its holy cause. 



* Peter C. Bird, late Deputy Register of Deeds, Wayne County. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. I 8/ 

General A. P. Hill of the Confederate army declared while in 
Gettysburg that he "never knew troops to fight better than those 
who opposed him on the first day." General Ewell said he was 
surprised when Colonel Morrow's men fired upon his advance. 
Ewell's troops purposely withheld their fire "to capture them alive," 
but when they received a volley at very close range from the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan and Iron Brigade they could not do otherwise 
than return the fire. A conversation occurred between General Ewell 
and Colonel Morrow while a prisoner. Ewell said the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan were foolish that they did not surrender, in preference to 
being so badly cut up. The answer of Colonel Morrow was to the 
point, and brought a blush to his fellow-born Virginian : "General 
Ewell, the Twenty-fourth Michigan came here to fight, not to 
surrender." 

SPEECH OF COLONEL MORROW IN DETROIT. 

While on a visit home after the battle. Colonel Morrow declined 
a reception but consented to address the entire people on the Campus 
Martius, on Thursday, July 30, 1863, at 4 o'clock P. M. A very large 
concourse of people assembled to hear him, and many eyes were 
suffused with tears during his eloquent and pathetic speech, from 
which we give the following extracts: 

Friends and Fellow Citizens : I have no language to express my feelings on 
this occasion. Less than one year ago, I left this beautiful city with the husbands, 
sons and friends of the people of Detroit and Wayne County. Less than a year has 
sufficed to wipe that splendid regiment almost out of existence, and I stand here 
almost alone out of all the brave men who marched through these streets for the seat 
of war on the 29th of August last. 

Where are those boys that went with me? Alas, many occupy graves in 
southern soil. They died as soldiers should die, with faces to the foe, upholding the 
banner of our country. They have indeed gone, but they will live in your hearts and 
in the memory of their countrymen for all coming time. I come back to you after 
having led my boys to victory to render my account. 

At Fredericksburg your regiment received its baptism of fire, winning praise 
for its coolness and gallantry. It has behaved everywhere. At Fitzhugh Crossing it 
had the honor of planting the first flag on the opposite bank. 

On the first of this month, we were marching and joking, with no idea of being 
on the verge of a battle. An occasional booming of cannon was not strange, yet 
indicating that our cavalry had met the enemy. It became more constant and with a 
quickstep we marched for Gettysburg, passing to the left of the town. We crossed an 
insignificant branch and were moved forward into line on the double-quick. An 
order came to charge at once. The regiment had unfixed bayonets and unloaded 
guns. I halted the men, had them fix bayonets and they had partially loaded, when 
the order came again to advance, the men finishing loading while advancing and 



l88 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN, 

came to the brow of a hill. We then saw our danger, charged down into the ravine 
through which flows Willoughby's Run, where we captured a Rebel brigade of 1,500 
men with General Archer its commander. 

I had lost my color-sergeant, Abel G. Peck, several of my color guard and men. 
We changed front, advancing to the crest of the hill beyond the Run, but soon after 
withdrew to the eastern bank of the stream and formed in McPherson's woods. 
During this movement my Adjutant was severely wounded, and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Flanigan lost a leg. I helped him off his horse where he lay for two hours. Company 
B under Lieutenant Buhl, a brave and gallant soldier, dignified and efficient officer, 
were sent out as skirmishers. Captain Rexford had already been wounded. From 
some prisoners sent in by Lieutenant Buhl, I learned that the entire corps of 
Generals Ewell and A. P. Hill were in our front. I several times sent to the 
General commanding suggesting a change of position as it was, to my judgment, 
untenable. The only reply was that the position must be held. 

Soon after the rebels advanced in two lines of battle with their splendid 
banners, greatly overlapping us on the left, almost surrounding us. The 
Twenty-Fourth was lying down resting. I called them up, and when the Rebels got 
near, gave the order to fire by file. The Nineteenth Indiana, on our left, after 
maintaining their line until their dead were thick upon the ground, became 
overpowered and gave way, which left the Twenty-fourth Michigan to bear the brunt 
of the battle alone. We fought until nearly surrounded, to prevent which. Captain 
Speed (acting as Major in place of Major E. B. Wight, who had been wounded), 
started to change the front of two companies, and was instantly killed. Over fifty 
fell here and we were forced to fall back a little distance, where all my color guard 
were shot down. 

We then fell back and rallied again, losing over one hundred men. Again we 
fell back and rallied, the men being literally slaughtered as they tried to form. 
Finally the whole corps having fallen back, the Twenty-fourth also fell back to the 
Seminary. Here I was wounded in the head and stunned, when I turned the 
regiment over to Captain Edwards. 

My head was dressed by a lady of Gettysburg, a true Union girl, who wanted 
to hide me when the rebels came into town. I refused as they were sure to search the 
house. There were other wounded there and soon the rebels ordered us all into the 
street. We were marched four miles to the rebel camp where I found fifty-four of 
my regiment, some wounded and some taken while firing their guns. I slept in an 
open field and the next morning a rebel surgeon dressed my head. He said I was not 
fit to march [both were Master Masons] and sent me to the hospital, while the other 
prisoners were sent to Richmond. 

When I got back to Gettysburg I was left to myself and I cut off my shoulder 
straps and became a sort of surgeon. With Assistant-Surgeon Collar, indefatigable 
in season and out, I visited the hospitals and battlefield of July 3, determining 
the names of the fallen, and helped bring in the wounded. In a barn among 200 
others, I found a brave little Irish boy from Detroit — Patrick Cleary — who told me 
that the doctor said he could not live. I told him the doctor was the best judge and 
he had better prepare to die. Said he, "Colonel, if you'll have my leg taken off, I'll 
be with the regiment in a week. Ain't you proud of the Twenty-fourth now?" God 
bless that boy. His leg was taken off but he is dead now. [A voice, " He is yet 
alive. "]I am glad to hear it He is a credit to his native and adopted country. 

One of the officers captured by us at Fitzhugh Crossing met me at Gettysburg 
while I was a prisoner. He came up to me and said, "You don't seem to know me. 
Your regiment captured me at Fitzhugh." Said I, " Glad of it. Didn't we treat you 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 189 

well?" " Bully," said he. " Then treat me the same." "Wewill. Where are your 
straps?" " I have lost them for the time being," said I. lie replied, "All right. I'll 
not say a word." He kept his promise and the rebels took me for a surgeon. 

On the last day of the great battle, I went into a steeple to see the great attack 
upon the Union centre. An old man who had come up into the steeple, white-haired 
and venerable, stretched up his hands and made such a prater as I never before 
heard, beseeching most earnestly for victory of our arms. It was an exciting moment. 
The terrible cannonading ceased and there was an awful pause, just before their 
infantry attack. The rebel lines stretching as far as the eye could see, advanced to 
the charge. Our skirmishers fell back, every Union gun was turned upon the 
advancing column, and finally the firing ceased. The smoke arose and revealed the 
enemy fleeing in confusion. We had won a most glorious victory and that night Lee 
retreated leaving 15,000 wounded in our hands. I went down and told the boys in 
our hospital warning them not to shout as the rebels still held the town. Of course 
all were immensely pleased. 

A word for our dead. Braver men never went to war. Captain Speed was 
gallant and noted for his amiable qualities. Well posted in military tactics, had he 
lived, he would have entered the regular army. Captain O'Donnell went out as a 
Second Lieutenant and his bravery and virtues had won for him a Captaincy. 
He was killed near the last rally, shot through the head. He had fought by my side 
for three hours and fell with his sword aloft, cheering on his men. The enemy 
stripped his body of clothing as they did all our dead, and it was impossible to 
identify his remains. I saw Lieutenant Dickey fall. He has the glorious honor of 
falling nearest the rebel lines of any soldier at Gettysburg. I picked him up myself. 
Lieutenant Grace commanded his company during the battle. He was wounded near 
the rail fence and taken to the Seminary. Being told that his wounds were mortal, 
he disposed of his effects and died on the 3d while the battle waged fiercest. The 
other Lieutenants were daring men, as well as all my non-commissioned officers and 
privates who fell on that terrible but glorious day. The whole regiment discharged 
its duty acceptably and won the admiration of the whole army of the Potomac. 

FROM COLONEL MORROW 'S OFFICIAL REPORT. 

Some portions of Colonel Morrow's official report refer to what 
has already been treated in the preceding pages. Such parts are 
omitted below. We quote the following extracts: 

Previous to abandoning our last position, orders came to fall back. Captain 
Edwards behaved very gallantly in rallying the men under a murderous fire. The 
field over which we fought from our first line in McPherson's woods to the barricarde 
near the Seminary was strewn with killed and wounded. Our losses were very large, 
including three hundred and sixteen killed and wounded and about eighty men and 
officers missing, in the action, many of whom have never been heard from. 

Of the killed, their conduct was brave and creditable to themselves and the 
service. Captain Speed's death was a severe loss to the service and an almost 
irreparable one to the regiment. Captain O'Donnell had given strong proof of 
Eourage and capacity and his death was deeply deplored. Lieutenant Wallace was a 
brave officer and good disciplinarian. Lieutenant Dickey had given great promise of 
future usefulness. Lieutenant Grace was one of the bravest men I ever saw. 
Lieutenants Humphreyville, Safford and Shattuck were distinguished for unflinching 
(13) 



190 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

courage in battle. The remains of Captain Speed and Lieutenants Wallace and 
Safford were conveyed to Michigan, but the other officers sleep with the brave 
non-commissioned officers and privates who fell that day, in the cemetery in which a 
grateful nation will erect a mausoleum to perpetuate the memories of its defenders. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan lost his left leg, and his conduct in battle was 
daring and gallant. Major E. B. Wight acquitted himself in the most creditable 
manner and remained at his post until forced by his wound to leave the field. Both 
of these officers were universally respected. Captain Rexford was wounded early. 
His conduct was gallant and conspicuous. Captain Hutchinson received a severe 
contusion in the groin early in the day but remained with his company and behaved 
very gallantly. Captain Edwards displayed great coolness and courage, and deserves 
honorable mention. Captain Dillon commanded his company with skill and behaved 
very handsomely. Captain W. W. Wight exhibited much coolness and courage. 
Lieutenant Dempsey was conspicuous for his gallantry in the charge across 
Willoughby's Run. Lieutenant Hutton was near me when I was wounded, and it 
was mainly through his assistance that I got off the field. His conduct was all that 
could be desired. Captains Hoyt and Gordon and Lieutenants Farland, Dodsley, 
Sprague, Witherspoon, Norton, Buhl, Earnshaw and Whiting, all acquitted themselves 
honorably. 

The historian of the regiment will narrate the heroic conduct of the brave 
sergeants and corporals who were killed. Sergeant-Major Connor was conspicuous 
for his bravery and was severly wounded. Sergeant Haigh of Company D was 
suffering from a wound received at Fitzhugh Crossing, but went into 
this battle and was severely wounded. He deserves mention for his bravery. 
Captain Edwards says of Sergeant Bucklin and Corporal Evans, killed on the field : 
"They were distinguished in camp for the purity of their lives, and in the field for 
unflinching courage." This is high praise and well bestowed. Captain Burchell says 
of Corporals Dwyer and Carroll of B: "They were efficient and brave men." 
Captain Witherspoon, himself a brave soldier, commends highly the gallantry of 
Sergeant Pomeroy. Being too severely wounded to handle a gun he tore cartridges 
for his more fortunate comrades. 

First Sergeant William Nagle was wounded near me. His conduct was brave 
to temerity. Captain Farland speaks in high terms of Sergeant Eberle and Corporals 
Rounds, Sterling and Strong. It affords me pleasure to bear witness to the bravery 
of the latter. Sergeant Eberle continued to fight after being twice wounded. Private 
George Klink of Company F acquitted himself finely. 

Surgeons Beech, Collar and Towar were devoted and untiring in their 
attendance to the wounded. Of Dr. Beech, it may truly be said that no surgeon 
rendered more valuable service at Gettysburg. Chaplain Way was early in attendance 
at hospitals and rendered valuable services. He remained several weeks after the 
battle and both officers and men speak in the highest praise of his efficiency. 

EXTRACT FROM THE WASHINGTON HERALD. 

The following conversation occurred at a Washington Hotel with 
Colonel Bachelder, the historian of the Battle of Gettysburg. Said 
Colonel Bachelder : 

This jostling crowd little realize that those two gentlemen in conversation 
yonder (pointing to Senator Gordon, of Georgia, and General Morrow, of the United 
States Army), were prominent actors on opposite sides at the battle of Gettysburg. 



BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. I9I 

Colonel Morrow commanded the Twenty-fourth Michigan which belonged to the 
famous Iron Brigade. It was with this Brigade that General Reynolds was killed, 
and it was Colonel Morrow's regiment which enveloped the flank of Archer's Brigade. 
The sanguinary character of the engagement of the Twenty-fourth Michigan will be 
better realized when it is known that out of four hundred and ninety-six men and 
oflScers, three hundred and sixteen were placed hors de combat, losing nine color 
bearers killed and wounded and all the color guard, after which Colonel Morrow took 
the flag and was struck by a ball on the top of his head, the blood from which covered 
his face. While washing it away he found his retreat cut off. 

Late on the Third day. Colonel Morrow allowed Mrs. Judge Wills, whose guest 
he was, to tie a green scarf (a surgeon's insignia) about him. He then sallied out 
and soon met General Gordon and staff. Saluting he said, "General, I am informed 
that our wounded of the first day's battle lie uncared for where they fell and I ask 
your assistance in having them attended to." 

"You astonish me," answered the General, and turning to a surgeon said, "Is 
this so, and if so why is it?" The surgeon assured him that the wounded of both 
armies had been cared for alike, but that they had been unable to visit that extreme 
part of the field. Turning to Colonel Morrow, General Gordon said : ''Doctor, I will 
give you a detail of ambulances this evening to bring in your wounded." 

At nightfall. Colonel Morrow started with a train of twelve ambulances with 
Confederate drivers, for that part of the field where the battle opened. It was a 
weird sight, that long train of army nurses, as by the fitful light of a half-clouded 
moon, made more obscure by the lanterns they bore, this party threaded its way 
among the blackened and swollen corpses. The moans and cries for assistance and 
water were heartrending. Some were delirious and talked of home and friends and 
wondered that they neglected them so long, while others, in their wild delirium 
cheered on their comrades as they fought over in imagination the terrible battle. By 
midnight they were tenderly borne away to receive the care they so much needed. 

ON gulp's HILL. — CAPTAIN EDWARDS' ADDRESS. 

The ninety and nine of the regiment that rallied around the flag 
on Gulp's Hill the evening of the first day's fight, bivouacked there 
for the night, pondering over the terrible reality that they were but a 
fifth part of the regiment that so happily camped but six miles away 
the night before. Alas, many a soldier's diary was cut off by this 
day's awful events. The next morning the survivors hastily 
intrenched themselves, and their line of breastworks on the brow of 
Gulp's Hill, built nearly twenty-eight years ago, still remains. During 
this and the following day, the regiment, with the Iron Brigade, 
supported a battery which was playing upon the enemy from near 
where they lay. We would gladly give the names of those who were 
with the flae the cvenimj of the first dav, but cannot do so accurately. 
Gaptain A. M. Edwards issued the following to the men : 

Gulp's Hill, July 2, 1863. — All the field officers of this regiment having been 
wounded, and the senior captains killed or wounded, I hereby assume command. In 
thus being called to this responsible position, as little desired as expected, I 



192 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



congratulate you, brave soldiers, upon your splendid achievements of July i, a single 
Division holding in check an entire army corps, the flower of the Southern army, an 
achievement of which you may well feel proud. The enemy's dead in front of your 
lines attest your valor and skill. Again have you merited a nation's gratitude ; 
again have you shown yourselves worthy of the noble State you represent and the 
glorious cause for which you are fighting. 

Our joy in the glory of our arms is mingled with sadness for the heroic dead 
on the field of honor. Let the memory of our lamented comrades inspire your hearts 
with new life and zeal to emulate their heroic virtues and avenge their untimely fall. 
A thousand hearts are beating for you to-day in your own loved Michigan, and 
thousands of eyes are looking anxiously for the records of your gallant deeds. Let 
that record be as pure, as noble, and as heroic in the future as in the past, and a 
redeemed and purified land will bless your names and hold them in sweet 
remembrance. 

On the following day, July 3, the fragments of the regiment were 
formed in four battalion companies, as follows : 

(i.) A and F under Captain William W. Wight. 

(2,) D, I and C under Leiutenant John Witherspoon. 

(3.) H, E and K under Lieutenant Edwin E.Norton. 

(4.) G and B under Capt William Hutchinson. 
The regiment remained on Gulp's Hill during the terrible struggles of 
the second and third days of the battle. It was not actively engaged 
except to hold back the enemy from occupying Gulp's Hill. At nine 
o'clock Sunday morning, July 5, it moved to the left near the scene of 
Pickett's charge where it halted until six o'clock the next morning. 




CHAPTER X. 



After Gettysburg- i86: 



PURSUIT AND ESCATE OF LEE — VALUE OF INTRENCHMENTS. 

BY THE morning of July 6, the Union army was well under 
way in pursuit of Lee. At an early hour the Iron Brigade 
was on the march amid a heavy rain storm, A march of 
eleven miles brought it to the hills east of Emmitsburg and 
soon after the Twenty-fourth went on picket. 

Moving at daylight on the 7th, it passed through Emmitsburg 
where it found the Sixth Corps asleep, having just arrived after an all 
night's march. Moving forward on the Pike through Franklinsville, 
Mechanicstown and Catoctin Furnace it halted at Lewiston for 
dinner, and then turning short to the right, followed up a very rocky 
branch of the Monocacy. By a steep, narrow, stony path, practicable 
only for infantry and packmules, but dry and shady, the Iron Brigade 
passed over the Catoctin Mountain and through Hamburg on the 
summit. The men were frequently obliged to march in single file, 
so stretching the line that a halt of several hours was made to get 
closed up. A jDetter road was found on the western slope. The 
view from the mountain top was most beautiful. They moved five 
miles up the Middletown valley to Bellsville, and camped, weary and 
tired, after a twenty-four mile tramp. 

Wednesday, July ^. The march was resumed at an early hour 
in a drenching rain, by the Boonsboro Pike, through Middletown. A 
halt was made at 11 o'clock for dinner, a warm sun permitting the 
men to dry their tents and blankets, it having rained almost every day 
for two weeks. Moving on at three o'clock, the Iron Brigade passed 
over South Mountain by the National Road, (a macadamized way which 
winds its course about abrupt peaks and along the steep gorges of the 
mountain) over the same route it passed in the autumn of 1862, and 
bivouacked on its western slope near the foot, a mile east of 
Boonsboro, in the edge of some woods overlooking the Antietam 
battlefield. During the afternoon, our Michigan cavalry brigade 

(193) 



194 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

engaged the enemy in this vicinity. They hovered on Lee's flanks 
and inflicted heavy losses on his train. 

Thursday the 9th, was spent in camp while the rest of the army 
continued to pour over the mountain, and the clatter of artillery wheels 
rolled along the road. The material and force of a large army were 
pouring out in yonder fields. The game of war went on with 
determination on one side and desperation on the other. 

Friday, July 10. At an early hour the Iron Brigade moved on 
through Boonsboro to about two miles of Funkstown, and threw up 
intrenchments east of the Pike, half a mile from Beaver Creek. Sneers 
at the " spade " may affect the morale of a General, but no troops can 
afford to discard this element in war. The Roman soldiers never 
retired to sleep without first securing themselves with an intrenchment 
of earth. A remarkable strength is added to an army by an hour's 
work, in thus improvising shelter against the foe. A rail fence 
properly disposed, and covered with a few shovelfuls of earth, doubles 
the defence of the troops as well as gives strength to their confidence. 

Behind their barricade the men lay till Sunday noon, July 12, 
when they marched to the right, halting half an hour or so at Beaver 
Creek village ; thence to the left to the Pike at Funkstown where it 
crossed Antietam Creek, formed a line of battle supporting a brigade 
of Maryland troops, in right of the enemy's lines, and again threw up 
earthworks. 

For ten days Colonel Morrow had tried to do duty with the 
regiment, but his wound became too troublesome in the hot weather 
marches, and on the 14th he left for home for needed restoration, 
leaving Captain Edwards in command. 

For a week past our army had been rolling over the mountains, 
drawing its folds closer around the retreating army. Many in the 
North still seemed to think that Meade's army should have annihilated 
it. It had won a great victory in defeating and turning back the 
invaders, but the opposing armies were too nearly equal, both before 
and after the Gettysburg battle, for either to destroy the other. Our 
victory had cost us too dearly to be rash. Like wounded lion, the 
invader pushed his way back along his line of retreat, turning at bay 
to confront his pursuers when pressing him too hard. 

Under cover of very strong intrenchments near the Potomac, the 
enemy withdrew across that stream at midnight of July 13, leaving 
2,000 men as a rear guard, who were captured, and their commander, 
General Pettigrew, killed. It was this brigade to which belonged the 



AFTER GETTYSBURG — 186' 



195 



famous Twenty-sixth North Carolina, which fought such a terrible duel 
with the Twenty-fourth Michigan at Gettysburg. 

At ten o'clock on the 14th, the Iron Brigade by a forced march 
pushed forward to within two miles of Williamsport and passed 
through the intrenchments which Lee's army had vacated. A glance 
showed what a slaughter an assault would have cost, upon the 
succession of Lee's naturally defensive lines, doubly strengthened by 




ROl'TK OF IRON BRIGADE KKOM OETTYSBURO IN PURSl'IT OF LKE S ARMY. 



196 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

skill. The thrice decimated regiments that closed around the enemy 
and compelled him to seek inglorious flight to the war-stricken fields 
of Virginia, may answer how many men they could spare to drench 
the fields above Antietam's bloody ground. 

Everything indicated a sudden departure. The air was thick with 
putrid odors, compelling the Iron Brigade and other troops to move 
half-a-mile back from the road and camp as far as practicable from 
the abandoned works. The puffed, distended body and legs of a 
defunct mule or horse dotted the field here and there, and occasionally 
there was seen standing by the roadway or in a field, mute and 
motionless, a many ribbed specimen of kindred kind, unharnessed and 
turned out to die after his hard term of army service. 

RETURN TO VIRGINIA. — LOYAL VILLAGE. — CAMP FIRE. 

On the morning of the 15th, at six o'clock, the regiment moved 
off on the Pike to within sight of Hagerstown ; thence across the 
country to the Sharpsburg Pike ; thence south and eastward through 
Jones' X Roads and Smoketown. Soon after, it crossed the Antietam 
stream and passed on through Keedysville, reaching the base of 
Crampton's Gap after dark, and rested for the night. The march this 
day, a part of the way, was by the same roads the Twenty-fourth 
traversed upon the cold, stormy Sunday, October 26, 1862, when it 
left camp near Bakersville. The camp this evening was but a short 
distance from the site of " Camp Misery " on that fearful night. On 
July 16, the march was resumed at seven o'clock in the morning, over 
South Mountain at Crampton's Gap, into Pleasant Valley and on to 
" Camp Hickey," near Berlin, where it halted two days last October 
before crossing into Virginia. The field return for the regiment this 
day showed four officers and one hundred and thirty-five men present 
for duty. After resting a day, the long roll sounded at three o'clock 
on the morning of July 18, and the regiment again crossed the 
Potomac at Berlin, where it entered the confederacy just eight months 
and twenty days previously. 

Through a fair region not before ravaged by the war, the column 
passed on to Milltown, and bivouacked nine miles from Berlin, at 
Waterford, a most beautifully embowered and intensely loyal village. 
It seemed strange to find so patriotic a place in the Confederate 
dominions, and that evening merry maidens of the place with elastic 
step, tripped the fantastic toe with the army officers. 

Sunday, July 19. This morning the Twenty-fourth Michigan led 



AFTER GETTYSBURG — 1 863. 



197 



the First Corps on the march, headed by a band made up of the 
fragments of several regimental drum corps. Their notes were 
somewhat discordant, but the martial strains were full of life. (The 
Twenty-fourth's band was still at Gettysburg, soothing the sufferings 
of wounded comrades, having been ordered by Colonel Morrow to 
play for the men at the different hospitals every evening). This 
improvised corps of fifes and drums awakened chords responsive in the 
hearts of the Waterford denizens. The streets were lined with smiles 
and beauty. Windows and balconies were filled, and matron, maiden 
and child waved handkerchiefs and the starry flag, and cheered on the 
Union troops with many a "hurrah for the Union." In the best of 
spirits the column marched six miles to Hamilton and camped five 
miles west of Leesburg. 

At four o'clock the next morning, July 20, the 'march was 
resumed past Circleville, Philomont, Mountsville and Millville; thence 
across Goose Creek by fording a two and a half feet depth of water; 
thence on to Middleburg in Loudon county — ^a most offensive 




THE UIVOUAC AND CAMP FIRE. 



198 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

secesh town; not a door or shutter open and scarcely a resident was 
to be seen, everyone with a scowHng mahgnity and steeped in 
secession. While riding in advance of the column this day, the corps 
commissary, his orderly and a colonel were captured by the enemy's 
" bushwhackers " who infested this vicinity. This event called out the 
next day strict orders against "straggling," which had become rife 
among the boys for obtaining soft bread, butter, berries, etc. 

After a hard march, the troops ever welcomed the bivouac. The 
regiment and brigade were filed off into some field or woods, ranks 
were closed up and arms were stacked in front of each company. The 
stacking of arms was a " trick " which only the soldier could do. 
Three soldiers hitched the tops of their guns together by gyrative 
motions unexplainable in print, forming a tripod with the butts on 
the ground, around which others placed their arms. 

Each squad of comrades who usually chummed by themselves 
then selected a spot for their "fly tents" which were described on 
page 67. One pitched or erected the tent, another took the canteens 
and hied himself in search of some spring or brook for water, and 
another got a fire started with any fuel most convenient — whether 
fence rails or dead tree limbs. Soon scores of blazing fires and a city 
of tents had risen up and the men were cooking their bacon and 
coffee. 

Supper over and duty done, a larger camp fire was usually built, 
as fuel permitted, around which the men gathered for the evening; 
some trying to make out their latest letters from home ; some trying 
to write letters by the firelight, often in a stifling smoke ; some 
smoking their laurel or corn cob pipes and discussing any and every 
subject of science, politics, philosophy and religion. The volunteer 
was still a citizen, freeman and man, and so long as he attended to his 
duties he could carry his mouth with him and discuss as he chose, 
which he did — perhaps the events of the latest fight or skirmish, how 
he fought and his hairbreadth escape ; the conduct of the war — in fact 
give his opinion on any subject he desired ; or perhaps they calculated 
the time "in the sweet by and by" when they could see home again. 
So long had they been rousting about at soldier life out-doors that 
they could hardly hope at once to resume their old home babits. The 
first night they would sleep in the hog pen; the next night in the 
corn crib or barn ; the next night in the woodshed, and in about a 
week they thought they might venture into a "feather bed." Then 
to sit at a table and eat ! They had forgotten what tables, chairs and 
such things were for. 







ROUTE OF IRON BKIGADE TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK, JULY, 1863. 



FAMILIAR SCENES — MUTIN- 
OUS TROOPS — BACK TO 
THE RAPPAHANNOCK. 

Wednesday, July 22. The 
column marched at 3 P. M. 
through a fine hill country, 
eleven miles to White 
Plains on the Manassas Gap 
railroad, five miles west of 
Thoroughfare Gap. This 
was the " Deserted Village " 
described in a previous 
chapter, by which the regi- 
ment passed, November 6th 
last. 

July 23. Marched at 8 
A. M. as train guard, by 
regiments, to protect the 
wagon-trains from cavalry or 
other attack. Passed through 
Georgetown and N e w 
Baltimore, joining here the 
Centerville Pike ; thence to 
Warrenton, a march of 
thirteen miles, which place 
was reached a little before 
dark, encamping on the 
Sulphur Springs Road a mile 
southwest of the town. 
Early the next morning the 
men moved their camp a 
short distance to the top of 
a commanding hill and near 
the sight of "Camp Flanigan" 
or "Camp Cold, Rain, Snow 
and Hunger." Sergeant S. 
D. Green with some comrades 
visited the site of this former 
camp and there found scraps 
of Detroit newspapers, etc., 
Ij'ing around, just as we left 
it November 1 1 last. 

Saturday, July 25. Reveille 
at 3 A. M. Marched at 
daylight to W a r r e n t o n 



200 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Junction and went into camp at mid-afternoon. The Nineteenth 
Indiana and forty men of the Twenty-fourth Michigan were sent out 
on picket. Sunday morning brought a large mail, the first for ten 
days. Here the regiment remained a week, resting up. The present 
location was called "Camp Speed" in honor of the late Captain of 
Company D. 

At 5 o'clock on Saturday morning, August i, the Iron Brigade 
was ordered to fall in for the day's march. On July i6, the One 
Hundred and Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania (nine months' troops) were 
assigned to the Iron Brigade to complete their term of service, about 
twenty days more. This morning that regiment refused to 
move when ordered. They were conscripts, and officers and all 
claimed their term of service had expired, reckoning from the 
average time of their enlistment instead of the time of their muster. 
The rest of the Iron Brigade were drawn up in front of them with 
loaded muskets, and the commands " Ready ! Aim !" were given by 
General Cutler, but before the word "Fire" was given, there was a. 
wonderful hustling among them to get their accoutrements on and 
get into line. They well knew that the Iron Brigade would stand no 
such nonsense and that until they were mustered out by proper 
authority, they must obey orders like other troops. The Sixth 
Wisconsin was placed behind them with orders to shoot any man who 
fell out of the ranks. They marched. 

The column moved along the railroad past Bealton, to near 
Rappahannock station and encamped opposite Norman's Ford. 
Considerable cavalry fighting occurred during the day, across the 
river. At daylight on Sunday, August 2, the Iron Brigade marched, 
without breakfast, across the river on pontoons just below the railroad 
crossing and occupied a position commanding the fords and bridges, 
in some woods half a mile from the river and threw up earthworks. 
The Twenty-fourth sent one hundred men on picket. The enemy's 
pickets were within speaking distance but no talking was allowed. 
The railroad bridge was being rebuilt over the Rappahannock, which 
is here a deep, quick, muddy stream, running between low banks 
grown thick with willows. A battle was expected on the 4th and 
readiness was made for such an event, by sending pack mules over the 
river, etc. It was only a brush with the cavalry. 

Colonel Morrow and the band returned on August 7. The next 
day the camp was moved to the north side of the stream, and the 
regiment, with the Second and Sixth Wisconsin were sent over the 
river on outpost duty again until August 12. In fact the men of the 



AFTER GETTYSBURG — 1 863. 20I 

regiment and Iron Brigade were almost constantly on picket south of 
the river, while the camp was just below what was once 
Rappahannock Station, all that remained of it now being a few 
chimneys. The army settled down for a few weeks of quiet by the 
Rappahannock, over which it kept watch and guard. The drinking 
water was poor until the men dug a well twenty-five feet deep which 
furnished good cool water. The camp was tastefully arranged with 
evergreen bowers and named after Captain Merrit who had recently 
died. Many went bathing daily in the murky river. Its waters were 
continually stirred and kept colored by the soluble soil of its bed and 
banks. Many troops were about this time taken north to enforce the 
draft, while every train brought conscripts and substitutes, who 
seemed to be a scurvy lot of fellows. They had received large 
amounts in bounties and their main intentions were to desert at the 
first opportunity. Their talk was more suited to service in the 
enemy's camp, and they were closely watched. 

This day, August 29, recalled an event twelve months ago, which 
the regiment and its friends will never forget — this being the 
anniversary of our departure from Detroit. None could realize then 
what havoc one year would make in its ranks. Then, ten full 
companies, 1,026 men, supported the flag it received. To-day, but 
207 men and eight ofificers "dress upon the colors," and of this 
number, thirty were on extra duty, which left but 170 available men 
in camp. Truly the regiment had had glory and grief, joy and sorrow 
enough for one year. Though the summer's glorious triumphs at 
Gettysburg and Vicksburg gave buoyant hopes of an early peace, 
efforts were not to be relaxed until the military power of the rebellion 
was broken. 

IRON BRIGADE FLAG PRESENTATION. 

The heroic record of the Iron Brigade on many a bloody field 
since Bull Run; at dark and bloody Gainesville; its gallantry in 
carrying the South Mountain Pass and opening the battle of Antietam ; 
its valorous deeds at Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellors- 
ville and minor fields; and lastly, its generous sacrifice at Gettysburg, 
by which with its fraternal Second, it bought at so dear a price, the 
defensive heights that saved the army and nation, all contributed to 
the enrichment of the war history of the States from which came its 
men — Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. In recognition of the 
splendor of its noble deeds, citizens of these three States residing in 



202 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Washington, resolved to present to it a testimonial, the only honor of 
the kind in the history of any war in this country — a distinctive flag 
of its own, to this the First Brigade of the First Division, of the First 
army Corps of the Army of the American Republic. Thus 
numerically first, it was the first recipient of so proud a distinction. 

The anniversary of the glorious Antietam victory, September 17, 
was deemed a fitting occasion for its presentation. The event was to 
be a notable one and suitable preparations were made. A large 
evergreen arch was erected with the words "Iron Brigade" and 
"Welcome Guests" underneath. To the rear of the arch ran an 
embowered hall, 100 feet, for the banquet, and the leaves and 
underbrush were cleared away for the Iron Brigade assemblage. 
Notable guests were invited and all made ready, when inexorable 
orders came to move, causing an abandonment of all the preparations 
for the welcomed Hag event. 

At daylight of September 16, the Iron Brigade broke camp, 
crossed the Rappahannock, and marching by Brandy Station and 
Stevensburg halted at Pony Mountain near Culpepper. The day was 

hot and dusty, and the route 
over a beautiful rolling country 
without any cultivation of 
crops. For miles around the 
country was dotted with white 
tents containing the most of 
the army of the Potomac. The 
sound of the cannon was heard 
and all indicated another battle. 
The flag had been sent on and 
BRANDY STATION, vA. its prcscntation occurred on the 

appointed day, though under adverse circumstances, at 4 o'clock in 
the afternoon. Just before the hour, the rain came down in torrents, 
but soon ceased till after the ceremonies. The regiments were 
formed in a hollow square, in a grove near by. The band struck up 
"Hail to the Chief" and the flag was brought in, when Mr. Selleck, 
of Washington, addressed Colonel Robinson, of the Seventh 
Wisconsin, then commanding the Iron Brigade, as follows: 

This flag is presented to the Iron Brigade in behalf of the donors, as a mark of 
their admiration for the deeds of those who stand here before me, and the gallant 
dead who helped to win the fame of the Brigade. Take the flag, bear it at the head 
of your column till the final battle be won ; then carry it to your homes in the west, 
the pride of your friends and the noble States you represent. 




AFTER GETTYSBURG — 1 863. 203 

Upon receiving the flag Colonel Robinson said : 

Accept our thanks for this appreciation of the Iron Brigade, a name the rebels 
had learned to award it on many an occasion. No stain of dishonor upon its folds 
shall ever shame the cheeks of its donors' This gift shall be brought back. It may be 
scarred and battle stained, but floating still proudlier in victory. The few who witness 
this scene from the thinned ranks are survivors of a much larger number who came 
at their country's call to restore its despised authority. Their comrades lie in their last 
sleep, on battle fields from which their deeds have told the story, which their children 
and grandchildren will ever be proud to hear. 

After recounting the battles in which the four oldest regiments 
had been engaged up to Antietam, he spoke of Michigan's merit to a 
share in the honors of the occasion, as follows : 

Soon after the battle of Antietam, the Twenty-fourth Michigan, a new regiment, 
joined us with its full ranks and new uniforms. We thought it put on too many airs, 
and longed to take it into battle with us. At Fredericksburg, it went with us into its 
first fight. Nobly did it stand the test, and from that day we took it into full 
fellowship. 

The flag was borne away at the head of the Iron Brigade and the 
ofificers and guests repaired to the banquet. Speaking followed, 
begun by Colonel Henry A, Morrow and followed by Colonel E. S. 
Bragg, of the Sixth Wisconsin, Generals Robertson, Newton and 
others. General Rice said : 

To the non-commissioned officers. and privates we owe everything. To the 
First Corps alone at Gettysburg, do we owe the result of that battle; to the rank and 
file of that corps who stood so many hours, beating back the tremendous odds thrown 
against them, holding the enemy in check until the troops came up and formed in 
position on the field ; to that corps and its indomitable pluck, the nation owes its 
most grateful thanks. 

The memory of General Reynolds was drank in silence. 

The flag was of the finest blue banner silk, upon which, by the 
needle alone, was produced the inscription with the national emblems, 
in a degree of perfection unsurpassed. Its colors, lights, shades, and 
contrasts were very brilliant and natural, and all in embroidery. In 
the center is the American Eagle which fairly seems to fly, so true to 
nature is the skillful embroiderer's work. His every shade is 
shown; the dark and brown of the beak and wings passing 
imperceptibly into the higher shades below, with glistening plumage, 
and eye as fierce as life. In bold Gothic are the names of the five 
regiments of the Brigade and the chief battles in which it had 
participated thus far; the whole unfurled (rom a lance of finest wood, 



204 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

fastened by silver rod and socket, from which hangs a richness of 
scarlet and tassels. 

It is a fit and elegant tribute to the heroism of one of the most glorious 
organizations in the entire army. — New York Times. 

Reader of battle histories written in blood and spoken with 
tongues of fire from thundering cannon, may not that little brigade 
be proud of its honors, since their just meed of praise in nowise 
lessens the heroic deeds of others? 



PROMOTIONS — BREAKING CAMP — PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 

On September 19, the camp was moved a short distance to about 
three miles from Culpepper and fitted up as if for a long stay. It was 
named "Camp Peck" in honor of the noble color bearer who fell at 
Gettysburg. During the past few weeks several of the officers and 
some of the men who had become separated from the regiment at 
Gettysburg because of wounds, etc., returned, including Chaplain Wm. 
C. Way, Major E. B. Wight, Dr. Beech, and several squads of 
convalescents, after a six months or so of hospital absence. 

About this time numerous promotions were made among officers, 
non-commissioned officers, and men from the ranks, to fill vacancies 
and gaps made by the Gettysburg fight. Corporal Seril Chilson 
became Adjutant; First Lieutenants Farland, Hutton and Norton 
became Captains; Second Lieutenants Dodsley and Witherspoon 
became First Lieutenants ; and several Sergeants were promoted to 
Second Lieutenants, but as the regiment had not its minimum 
number, they were not permitted to muster. 

Here the regiment lay till the afternoon of September 24, when 
"Strike tents" came from Colonel Morrow's ringing voice, and soon all 
was commotion. It is wonderful how quickly a neat camp takes the 
appearance of a burnt district. When an order comes to move, it is 
a practice of soldiers to burn all they cannot take with them, that the 
enemy may not have any benefit of what must be left. So in a few 
minutes after moving orders come, a score of fires are seen in each 
camp consuming boxes, barrels, cabins, etc. 

Soon the regiment was on the road towards Raccoon Ford on the 
Rapidan, and halted under the shade of some woods skirting the 
river opposite Morton's Ford. A part of the Iron Brigade picketed 
the river and the rest became a permanent reserve to the picket guard. 
The enemy's pickets were seen opposite. 



AFTER GETTYSBURG — 1 863. 205 

On September 29, the camp was moved back a little and named 
" Camp O'Donnell" after the valiant captain who fell at Gettysburg. 
On October 5, the regiment was called out to consider a proposition 
to "veteranize" by re-enlisting for three years, and they were almost 
to a man in favor of it, on the condition of a reasonable furlough to 
visit friends at home. The reader may deem it strange that after 
men have undergone so many hardships and survived so many battles, 
when so many of their comrades have gone down to death or become 
maimed for life, that they would take upon themselves a renewal of 
such experiences. But the rebellion must be subdued, and all honor 
to the men who thus, a second time, offer their lives to save their 
country. 

We have seen how Lee, after Gettysburg, withdrew his forces 
along the west side of the Blue Ridge to the south side of the 
Rappahannock ; and how Meade, keeping his army on the east side 
of the mountains, covered Washington and arranged his troops on the 
north side of that stream. Both armies had been weakened by the 
withdrawal of troops for other purposes. Longstreet's Corps was sent 
to help the Confederacy in Tennessee, and their Western army 
thus re-enforced, assaulted the Union army at Chickamauga. 
Longstreet's withdrawal induced Meade to cross the Rappahannock 
and drive the enemy across the Rapidan. This was the movement 
that interrupted the Iron Brigade flag presentation. Soon after, to 
counteract Longstreet in Tennessee, it was found necessary to send 
there the Eleventh and Twelfth Union Corps under General Hooker. 
This so weakened Meade's forces that Lee resolved upon a flank 
movement, by which he would interpose between Meade's army and 
Washington. 

CAMPAIGN OF MANEUVERS. 

And thus was inaugurated, during October, 1863, a campaign of 
maneuvers by which a good deal of rapid marching and some 
skirmishing were indulged in, but no great battle was fought. Both 
armies hastened for the heights around Centerville, but Meade arrived 
there first. Thus foiled, Lee retrograded south again, till the armies 
were about where they were before this movement began. 

Lee commenced this flank movement on Friday, October 9th. 
The next morning, the Iron Brigade was sent to within half a mile of 
the Rapidan which it made a feint of crossing, but lay in some woods 
all day. At night it moved back near Stcvensburg Heights and 

(14) 



206 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 










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AFTER GETTYSBURG — 1 863. 20/ 

bivouacked till Sunday noon, the enemy making their appearance as 
it withdrew. 

Colonel Morrow being compelled to go to Washington on sick 
leave, Captain Edwards took command of the Twenty-fourth, 

That afternoon the first corps, with the Iron Brigade as rear 
guard, marched north to the Rappahannock which it crossed at 
Kelly's Ford and bivouacked till one o'clock on the morning of the 
13th, when it marched fifteen miles to Warrenton Junction by 9 
o'clock and took breakfast. Then it moved on to Bristoe Station and 
bivouacked for the night, reaching Centerville Heights at 2 o'clock on 
Wednesday afternoon, the 14th, in a very tired condition. This race 
with Lee was a severe one, but Meade's army got concentrated there 
first and held the key to the situation. 

The route passed over from the Rapidan was not a new one. 
Oft in the past two years had it been taken by hostile feet. Many 
desolate homesteads marked the way, through fertile fields rich in 
nothing but luxurious weeds. Black ruins and naked chimneys 
pointed out the desolating track; decaying head-boards and nameless 
heaps of fresh-piled earth told their tale along the way. 

On Saturday, the 17th, nine days' rations were issued. Marching 
orders came at daylight on Monday, October 19, and while packing up 
a drenching rainstorm wet everything. Crossing the Bull Run 
battlefield, the Iron Brigade marched by -way of Gainesville to 
Haymarket on Manassas Gap Railroad where it was deployed for the 
night on the Greenwich road as support to Kilpatrick's cavalry. That 
evening, one officer and thirty-four men of the Seventh Wisconsin 
were captured while on picket. 

At 4 p. m. of the 20th, it marched through Thoroughfare Gap to 
Georgetown, a distance of only four miles, but taking until nearly 
midnight, and bivouacking on the mountain side. Morning revealed 
a beautiful panorama of valley, a vast amphitheater with troops on 
every hill side. This beautiful site of the regiment was called 
"Camp Wallace" after the brave Lieutenant whose body then lay in 
the woods near Gettysburg. 

THE RETURN — GUARDING RAILROAD, ETC. 

The regiment remained in Thoroughfare Gap until 7 o'clock 
Saturday morning, October 24, when it began an extraordinary march 
in rain and mud. The Iron Brigade marched all day, the men wading 
several creeks waist deep. From Georgetown it marched to 



2o8 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Haymarket without a halt ; thence to Gainesville, and on through 
Bristoe to Brentville, fording Broad Run and Kettle Run, and 
arriving at Brentville, the county seat of Prince William county, about 
4 p. m. But ere tents were pitched, orders came to get coffee as soon 
as possible, and march back to Bristoe, amid a drizzling rain and over 
muddy and slippery roads. Arrived in bivouac, the men dropped 
down among the pines where they happened to be, for sleep. A cold 
Sabbath followed. The present site was named "Camp Bucklin," 
after Sergeant Bucklin of F who fell at Gettysburg. Several of the 
Gettysburg prisoners returned this day, October 25, and told of a 
famished march to Richmond after their capture. While in this 
camp Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Lucius Fairchild visited the 
Iron Brigade with his empty sleeve, made so at Gettysburg. He had 
been nominated for Secretary of State in Wisconsin. Michigan did 
not so honor her crippled soldiers. 

On the afternoon of October 30, the Twenty-fo.urth Michigan and 
Sixth Wisconsin were ordered to do guard duty on the Orange & 




THOROUGHFARE GAP, VIRGINIA. 



AFTER GETTYSBURG — 1 863. 209 

Alexandria railroad, the Twenty-fourth's duty covering four miles of 
track from Slaty Run to Catlett's Station. This locality was familiar 
ground to the Iron Brigade. Months before they saw along this 
route pleasant homes which our soldiers under McDowell, had to 
guard. But now only charred ruins and chimney heaps mark the 
spots — no fences, outbuildings or timber are left. 

On November 5. Adjutant E. P. Brooks, of the Sixth Wisconsin, 
was very cleverly captured by the enemy. A few days before a 
handsome young lady came into camp and solicited a guard home, 
some two miles away. This day she returned with some butter to 
repay the politeness of the Adjutant who again agreed to see her 
safely home. Off they rode on horseback, but not more than a mile 
from camp Mosby and his men stepped out of the bushes and 
captured the badly sold victim of a female spy. 

While doing this railroad duty intelligence came that the dead of 
the Iron Brigade who fell at Gainesville on the 29th of August, 1862, 
had not been properly buried. A detail under Captain Hollon 
Richardson of the Seventh Wisconsin went over to the bloody field 
and properly buried their fallen comrades. 

MARCH TO BRANDY STATION — RESIGNATIONS. 

On the morning of November 7, at the bugle call, the regiment 
broke camp on the railroad, the guards having been called in, and 
passing Catlett's station and Warrenton Junction, bivouacked near 
Morrisville about five miles from the Rappahannock at 5 P. M. During 
the afternoon General Sedgwick had a fight at Rappahannock Station, 
taking 1,200 prisoners and a battery. 

On Sunday morning, November 8, the Iron Brigade marched for 
Kelly's Ford, crossed the river at 1 1 o'clock and pushed on to Brandy 
Station where it bivouacked at dark near the railroad. On Monday 
afternoon, the 9th, the bugle announced some movement in progress. 
Moving out of camp the regiments headed toward the river on the 
railroad track and commenced a friendly strife with the Second 
Division for the first passage of the stream, the last over to have the 
longest night march. The Twenty-fourth led the Iron Brigade and 
Division and such marching was never witnessed before, the 
Twenty-fourth reaching the river ere the other troops were in sight. 
Recrossing the Rappahannock, its pace did not slacken till it reached 
Beverly Ford at 7 r. M., when it bivouacked in some woods by the 
road for this night. 



2IO HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

The next day it arranged its tents in an oak forest in camp order 
and named the place "Camp Dickey" in honor of Lieutenant Dickey, 
killed at Gettysburg. Here the regiment remained until November 
26, engaged in picket and fatigue duty rebuilding the destroyed 
railroad. While here, Burt Sons of the Band rigged up a barber shop, 
his chair being a hickory stump and the back formed by a leaning 
sapling and piece of hardtack-box, against which his customers leaned 
their heads. 

On November 16, Quartermaster Digby V. Bell and Lieutenant 
Fred. Augustus Buhl having resigned, started for home, the latter to 
join the First Michigan Cavalry. Soon after, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Flanigan, Captains Charles A. Hoyt and Wm. H. Rexford were dis- 
charged, and Major Edwin B. Wight was compelled to resign, because 
of their Gettysburg wounds. 

Major E. B. Wight had lost the sight of an eye and after 
consultation with eminent oculists in New York and Washington, felt 
compelled to offer his resignation in deference to their opinions. 
Awaiting its acceptance, he returned to camp and soon found he had 
overrated his strength and could not take up active work. The 
Regimental, Brigade, Division and Corps Surgeons pronounced him 
unfit for any immediate service and unqualifiedly recommended his 
discharge. He had courageously endeavored to do duty but could not. 
The whole regiment regretted the necessity of his resignation, and 
there was a sad leave taking when the time came to say good-bye. 
He had been very active in the organization of the regiment and 
recruited Company A. Had his wound permitted him to remain in 
the field he would certainly have been promoted to higher honors. 

MINE RUN CAMPAIGN. 

After Lee's retreat from Centerville, he crossed the Rapidan and 
arranged his troops along the west side of Mine Run, a stream 
running at right angles to the Rapidan and emptying into it on the 
south at Morton's Ford. Of itself the stream was insignificant, but 
miry marshes extend along its sides, and Lee's position was on an 
elevated bank a little distance back, and intrenched so as to be 
virtually impregnable. It was a veritable slaughter pen in front, and 
he baited the Federal army by abandoning the fords of the Rapidan. 
Not understanding this condition of things, General Meade resolved 
to attack him, and began to move forward his army with rations for 
ten days, on Thursday morning, November 26, 1863. 



AFTER GETTYSBURG — 186- 



211 



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//. ^/>vT^«/vu'«. ^onr-^,''/Z.y>z^ tenuis ^(xr^. 
/3. ;6t*i;-^HtAG,:Di:c.2.^/f63. 



212 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



The bugle again sounded the fall in, and the Twenty-fourth with 
the Iron Brigade, to which had been temporarily attached a battalion 
of New York sharpshooters, crossed the river at Rappahannock 
Station at daylight, passed down near Kelly's Ford on the 
Rappahannock; thence south through Richardsville to near Ely's 




BATTLE-FIELD OF MINE HUN, VA. 



Ford on the Rapidan, and bivouacked. At half past three the next 
morning, November 27, it crossed the Rapidan at Melville Mines Ford 
and continued south by Parker's Store to the intersection of the 
Spottsylvania Road with the Orange Plank Road. The ammunition 
train was attacked by Hampton's Legion who were repulsed by the 
Sixth Wisconsin. Pursuing the march through the Wilderness, the 



AFTER GETTYSBURG — 1 863. 213 

Iron Brigade bivouacked for the night near Robinson's Farm on the 
old turnpike. 

At four o'clock the next morning, November 28. they advanced 
to Locust Grove and halted. At eight o'clock the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan and the New York Sharpshooters advanced as skirmishers, 
deploying six companies and advancing two miles, taking six 
prisoners. The next morning, November 29, the entire Iron Brigade 
moved forward to the crest overlooking Mine Run and the enemy's 
works opposite. 

All this day, Sunday, was spent in preparing for a great battle to 
begin the next morning, November 30. The weather was severe and 
cold and some of the pickets had frozen to death on their posts. 
Generals Sedgwick and Warren were to attack, at the same time, the 
flanks of the enemy. The former actually opened his artillery ; but 
General Warren, to whom fame had few allurements, carefully noting 
with the eye of a skillful engineer, the great hazard of assaulting Lee's 
works, took the responsibility to abandon his part of the programme, 
and so reported to Meade, who approved his judgment and decision. 
The water in the Run was breast deep and covered with a coating of 
thin ice. On the opposite side was a strong abatis of tree tops felled 
into the Run, and behind all a strong array of fortified batteries, and 
any attempt to move across the Run for a charge would have been 
another insane Fredericksburg slaughter. Would that the army had 
had more such Generals as John F. Reynolds and G. K. Warren. 

The attack upon the enemy's works having been abandoned, the 
army withdrew on the night of December i. One man, Henry 
Hoisington of K, had been severely wounded in the Twenty-fourth in 
this movement. The Twenty-fourth arrived at Germanna Ford at 1 1 
P. M. and bivouacked on the south side. At 8 o'clock the next 
morning, December 2, it crossed the Rapidan and moving up as far as 
Mitchell's Ford, bivouacked till i o'clock P. M. of the 3d, when it 
marched towards Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock, halting half a 
mile north of Mountain Run. The following day the camp was 
moved to near Kelly's Ford. 



CHAPTER XI. 



Winter Quarters Near Culpepper. 



LOG HUTS — LETTER OF CHAPLAIN WAY. 

ON SATURDAY morning, December 5, the sound of axes 
rang through the forest of oak, hickory and pine, which 
continued until the men of the First Corps had provided 
themselves with very comfortable winter huts. Colonel 
Morrow returned on the 6th and the regiment abode in their snug log 
cabins doing outpost duty until December 24, naming the place 
"Camp Beech" in honor of our ef^cient surgeon. The following 
letter of Chaplain Wm. C. Way will explain the camp life and trials 
of the men at this period: 

Near Culpeper C. H., Va., December 31, 1863. — "Out in the cold!" The 
first corps were turned out of their comfortable quarters near Kelly's Ford on a keen, 
cutting, cold day. At daylight on the morning before Christmas, we wound our way 
out of camp on the road hither in the face of a fierce, cold wind. Through the open 
fields the ground was frozen hard. The swamp roads were of the log or corduroy 
construction, but the wagons plunged into an occasional slough with a broken axle. 
Late in the afternoon we reached our present position, fairly in the front, on the 
Gordonsville Pike, in a location poorly supplied with wood, and it requires much 
activity and rubbing to enjoy a night's sleep, from the cold. 
, The men out on picket, through the fields and upon the bleak ridges, need the 

thickest clothing to keep the life current flowing. The cold stars overhead, the 
ice-bound earth — tramp, tramp through the long hours of the longest nights of 
winter, walks the picket on his beat till the relief comes, and the sentry returns. 
If there happens to be a smoldering fire at the reserve, he rakes out the embers and 
holds his benumbed hands a moment over the heat and then turns in. Otherwise he 
slaps his hands vigorously to warm up his finger tips, and rolls himself snugly up in 
his blanket, with knapsack under his head and is soon dreaming of home and its 
cheery fireside. 

I see sights every day of woe and want about the fields and squalid dwellings. 
Stillness as of the grave and a blight as of a curse brood in the streets of yonder town 
that once sat beautifully on the undulating hills whose feet the stream below laves. 
The meadows that were shaven by the scythe, now grow rank with weeds, and the 
fields once green, now lie hard. Yon spires beneath whose shadow worshipers once 
gathered, now rise above the stenchy atmosphere of stables into which the edifices 
have been turned. 

(214) 



WINTER QUARTERS NEAR CULPEPPER. 21$ 

Christmas found us in our shelter tents and the camp of December 25 and 26 
was named "Camp Cheerless." The men set about felling trees for cabins and in a 
few days their second edition of cabins were built far superior to the first." 



PROGRESS OF THE WAR. — CAMP ROUTINE. 

The year 1863 closed with a brighter outlook for the union arms 
than the year before. By the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, and 
of Port Hudson, July 9, the Confederacy sustained a combined loss of 
38,500 soldiers to 7,500 by the Union armies, then under General 
Grant. These victories occurring about the time of the Gettysburg 
success left the Confederacy cut into by the Mississippi which was 
now open from the North to the Gulf of Mexico. It also was another 
nail well driven into the Confederate coffin. 




GENERAL RCFUS KING, FIRST COMMANDER OF IRON BRIGADE. 

At Chickamauga, Georgia, on the 19th and 20th of September 
there was a terrible battle. The Confederate army there had been 
reinforced by Longstreet from the East with his corps and they were 
determined to destroy the Western Union army. At this battle the 
Confederates lost 17,864 men and the Federals but 15,851; yet the 
latter were driven from the field and it became a very dearly bought 
Confederate victory, which was more than counterbalanced by the 
brilliant Union victories on November 23, 24 and 25, at Chattanooga, 



2l6 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, when Hooker's corps 
became famous for their "battle above the clouds" on this height, 
which electrified the world. And thus the year closed in a halo of 
glory for the Union. 

There was a corresponding depression in the South, as the 
following from the RicJiniond Examiner of December 31, indicated: 

To-day closes the gloomiest year of our struggle. No sanguine hope of 
intervention buoys up the spirits of the Confederate public as at the end of 1861. No 
brilliant victory, like that at Fredericksburg, encourages us to look forward to a 
speedy and successful termination of the war, as in the last week of 1862. * * * 
Meanwhile the financial chaos is becoming wider and wider. Hoarders keep a more 
resolute grasp than ever on the necessaries of life. Non-producers are suffering more 
and more. What was once competence has become poverty, poverty has become 
penury, and penury is lapsing into pauperism. 

January i, 1864, was the coldest day experienced in the army 
during the war. It is also well remembered by many in the North. 
There was much suffering among the men whose cabins were not yet 
completed. The regiment had moved out still further on the 
Sperrysville road near a pine forest to make their winter quarters 
which became known as " Camp Meade." The cabins complete, the 
men became comfortable and settled down to the routine which a 
winter camp brings, such as fuel gathering, picket and sentinel duty, 
drill, etc. 

On the 3d, Colonel Morrow took command of the Iron Brigade 
and Captain Edwards of the regiment. The Sixth and Seventh 
Wisconsin and Nineteenth Indiana having veteranized for another 
three years were now gone home on the usual furlough in such cases, 
and the Seventy-sixth New York was temporarily attached to the 
Iron Brigade. 

The mail which usually arrived at sunset in this camp, gladdened 
the hearts of such as received missives from home and friends. Next 
to the Paymaster nothing so rejoiced the hearts of the soldiers as the 
sight of the approaching postmaster. They flocked to him like a parcel 
of children and listened for their names to be called out for a letter, 
as attentively as if it was a lottery wheel and they expected some 
valuable prize — for a most valuable prize was a letter to the soldier, 
only realized by those who have experienced this soldier-life 
enjoym.ent. Disappointment and often homesickness followed a 
failure to receive letters from home. 

A school of instruction for non-commissioned ofificers was 
established and a house erected for their drill. Captain William 



WINTER QUARTERS NEAR CULPEPPER. 



217 



Hutchinson had charge of the school. The men also built a church 
near Brigade headquarters, 20 by 30 feet in size. About the middle 
of the month the camp was cheered by the arrival of Mrs. Morrow, 
Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Way. Several promotions also occurred about 
this period. First Lieutenant George W. Burchell became Captain; 
private David Congdon became First Lieutenant and Quartermaster, 
and Sergeants George A. Pinkney Benjamin W. Hendricks and 
Everard B. Welton became First Lieutenants. 

As at home, so in the army, a few required penal discipline, 
though to the credit of the Twenty-fourth, the "Guard House" was 




PENAL DRILL WITH STICKS OF WOOD. — SKETCHED BY H. J. BROWN. 

almost always unknown. Very little use was there at any time for it. 
The usual practice in regiments was to appoint the Major to try 
offenses. He was judge, jury and sheriff. His sentences were sent 
up to the Brigadier-General for approval, and they came back scarcely 
ever modified. Usually some mild form of punishment was meted 
out such as deduction of pay for a time, or in case of 
non-commissioned ofificers, reduction to the ranks, for failure to do 
proper duty or for unsoldierlike conduct. Sometimes they were 
compelled to drill a certain number of hours each day with rather 
heavy sticks of wood upon their shoulders, like the representation in 
the illustration. These punishments were for nothing very serious the 
offenders had done, but still their offences were sufficient to constitute 
violations of good discipline. 

This was the. beaten field of war. The golden sunsets overspread 
great camps of warlike men, for coming deadly strife. Yonder town 
of Culpepper was a canvas city busy in the arts of war. But few 



2l8 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



inhabitants were left except the old and decrepit, women and children, 
who were often dependent upon our commissariat for food. They 
were all "Secesh" and the "Bonnie Blue Flag" was sung with spirit 
by the lassies who had a hatred of all Yankeedom; yet, those F. F. V. 
damsels would occasionally indulge in a flirtation with some of the 
dashing young Union officers. The denunciation of their peculiar 
institution led the people to believe that they, and not slavery, were 
hated. They mourned their loved and lost, and the widows' weeds 
told of bitter grief. 

A Division Review by General Rice occurred on January 29, and 
the Twenty-fourth Michigan carried off the palm for appearance. 

RACCOONYILLE RAID. 

On Saturday morning, February 6, reveille sounded at 5 o'clock 
with orders to fall in at 6. It was raining and visions of another mud 
march loomed up in the men's minds. Coffee over, the regiment was 
soon off for Brigade headquarters, and at 8 o'clock the column 








T] 







-^^^^ ' Ji^W 



^M^^ 




THE 'guard'" over aIvIRGINIA RAIL FENCE. 



WINTER QUARTERS NEAR CULPEPPER. 219 

marched for Raccoon Ford and halted about two miles away, being 
cautioned to keep quiet. While on the march details were made 
from each regiment of the Iron Brigade to storm the town of 
Raccoonville on the bank of the Rapidan, directly under the enemy's 
guns, and supposed to be occupied by their sharpshooters. At 
evening the picket formed a line of battle for support, and the 
storming party went forward' with matches into the town and in the 
very teeth of the enemy, set it on fire which soon lighted up the 
heavens for miles around. A dead Union cavalryman was found 
and taken from one of the houses first. The enemy opposite were 
perfectly amazed and soon could be seen in line of battle amid the 
gleam of the burning buildings, all of which were soon in blackened 
ruins. 

The party returned to the bivouac at 1 1 P. M. and all lay there 
till sunset on Sunday, February 7, when they started for camp. The 
roads were very muddy, it having rained most of the time since 
leaving camp. Three columns of troops moved on parallel lines 
and got somewhat mixed up. The Twenty-fourth became separated 
from the Iron Brigade, but all got safely into camp about 10 o'clock, 
very tired. The departure on this reconnoissance fanned into life the 
dying hopes of the village secessionists and they began to open their 
shutters and fairly insult our men with secesh songs and in other ways, 
but upon the return of the column to camp, their doors were closed 
again. 

On the 15th of February, General Sedgwick, in the temporary 
absence of General Meade, reviewed the First and Second Divisions 
of the First Corps. A snow storm blew up before the review was 
over. On the 23d the whole First Corp3 was reviewed by General 
Newton who had succeeded General Reynolds in its command after 
the latter was killed at Gettysburg. 

WINTER CAMP LIFE — CAMPAIGN PREPARATIONS. 

The months of February and March passed as usual in winter 
camp, with an occasional death in hospital. Places of amusement 
sprung up. The boys of the Fourteenth Brooklyn established an 
amateur theater for the edification of the camp. The veteranized 
regiments returned with some additions to their ranks in new recruits. 
During the latter part of March, Colonel Morrow and eight 
non-commissioned officers left for Michigan on special recruiting duty, 
and about this time the ladies who had been sojourning in camp for 



220 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



two months went home also. During Colonel Morrow's absence, 
Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Wight commanded the regiment, having 
been promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan's position. But forty 
recruits had thus far joined the Twenty-fourth. Occasionally a few 
convalescents and recovered wounded comrades returned. The 
recruits very readily picked up the drill from the veterans. 




GENERAL JOHN NEWTON, COMMANDER OF FIRST CORPS. 



One would suppose that Sunday would be a welcome day in 
camp, but usually the reverse was true, for on that day, instead 
of being devoted to rest, there was more to fatigue the men than on 
any other day, even with their drill. When a severe march or fight 
was not planned for this holy day, a review or inspection was usually 
substituted. This day brought an inspection of the soldiers' 
accoutrements and knapsacks. His "brasses" must be polished and 



WINTER QUARTERS NEAR CULPEPPER. 221 

shoes " blackened " though there might not be a box of blacking and 
brush within a hundred miles which they could obtain. 

It was customary for the bugle to assemble the companies each 
Sunday morning, after guard mount, which was about like a dress 
parade on a small scale, on the parade ground. Each man's gun must 
be in good order and thoroughly cleaned, his knapsack neatly packed 
and everything in like order. The Band formed on the parade 
ground, the companies marching to the music and forming as if on 
dress parade. The Adjutant saluted the Colonel, telling him the 
battalion was formed. The Colonel then gave the order for the 
companies to right wheel. The right of the company stood still, and 
the rest of it wheeled, halting at a right angle from the line in which 
it was, thus leaving a space between the companies. Then the 
command "To the rear — open order" and the front ranks came to an 
"about face" — the rear ranks having taken a few paces to the rear. 
This left a space between both ranks for the inspecting ofificers to 
pass. In this position several hours often intervened before these 
functionaries arrived — the men meanwhile standing there in open 
field, in rain, hail, snow or sunshine. When they did appear the men 
were ordered to "ground arms" and unsling knapsacks. These 
orders had to be executed with exactly the same number and like 
motions. Each man placed his knapsack at his feet, opened for 
inspection. The contents must be clean and neatly arranged. The 
overcoat was folded into a nice roll and strapped on top. The right 
company was inspected first the Band playing a slow tune. As fast 
as a company was inspected the men returned to their quarters, and 
as it usually took two hours to inspect the whole regiment, the last 
company had a tedious time waiting. There was so much required of 
the soldiers on Sunday that it called forth from President Lincoln, in 
November, 1862, an order against it, but there never seemed to be 
any change from the old practice. 

The month of April wore away and still found the men in their 
winter huts at their usual duties, but the opening spring brought 
warmer and more cheerful weather after a winter of mud. Busy 
preparations began to be made for another campaign. All extra 
baggage was ordered turned in, the men placed in light marching trim, 
and the sutlers ordered to the rear. 

At last the army had a commander, one who would brook no 
interference from the meddlesome marplots who infested the war 
office and confused plans and their execution. The President had let 
the contract of finishing up the rebellion to Ulysses S. Grant, without 

(15) 



222 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

condition or interference from headless subheads. The confident 
belief was that the task would be accomplished though at the cost of 
much blood. Still if it be not spilled in vain, and the lives lost would 
only count for some good result, the men were willing for the 
sacrifice. 

Soon after his appointment as Lieutenant-General, General 
Grant made his headquarters with the army of the Potomac where he 




GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



directed affairs till the close of the war, although General Meade 
continued its commander, receiving his orders from Grant, whose tents 
were but a few rods apart. He immediately set about a reorganization 
of the Army of the Potomac into three corps, known as the Second, 
Fifth and Sixth Corps, with a separate corps under Burnside. The 
old First and Third Corps were broken up and consolidated with the 
others. Most of the First Corps went into the Fifth Corps under 
General Warren. General Hancock continued in command of 
the Second Corps. The Sixth Corps was under Sedgwicl*. 
This produced no little ill feeling at first, as the brigade and 
corps disorganized would lose their identity purchased with blood 
and held most sacred. However, the men were permitted to wear 
their old corps badges. Upon retiring from the command of the First 
Corps, after its consolidation. General Newton said of it in an order: 




HON. AUSTIN BLAIR, "WAR GOVERNOR" OF MICHIGAN. 



WINTER QUARTERS NEAR CULPEPPER. 



zzj 



Identified by its services with the history of the war, the First Corps gave at 
Gettysburg a crowning proof of valor and endurance in saving from the grasp of the 
enemy the strong position upon which the battle was fought. Its terrible losses in 
that conflict attest its supreme devotion to the country. Though the corps has lost 
its distinctive name, history will not be silent upon the magnitude of its services. 

The Fifth Corps now consisted of four divisions, as follows: — 1st, 
General Grififin ; 2d, General Robinson ; 3d, General Crawford ; and 
4th, General Wadsworth, The latter division consisted of three 
brigades: ist, General Cutler ; 2d, General Rice; 3d General Stone. 
The old Iron Brigade in the main preserved its identity, except it 
now became the First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifth Corps. It 
consisted of the Second, Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, Twenty-fourth 
Michigan and Nineteenth Indiana as formerly, to which had been 
since attached the Seventh Indiana and a battalion of the First New 
York Sharpshooters. General Cutler commanded the Iron Brigade, 
General Wadsworth the Fourth Division and General Warren the 
Fifth Corps. If the reader will be careful to remember this 
arrangement, it will often make clear the movements of our regiment 
and brigade. 

NEW FLAG FOR THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

The old flag of the Twenty-fourth Michigan having become too 
battle torn for duty, the friends of the regiment in Detroit purchased 
a new one for it, and its presentation to Colonel Morrow for the 
regiment called forth a large concourse of people on the Campus 
Martins, on April 27, 1864. Judge James V. Campbell delivered a 
patriotic and finished address on the occasion in which, after reviewing 
the honorable record of the regiment, he said : 

There is no duty so pleasant as that of publicly honoring those who have 
defended their country, I feel proud to express the thanks of the people of this old 
county to her gallant sons, brave among the bravest, for doing deeds that will crown 
her with endless glory. The noble veteran Twenty-fourth rests its fame securely in 
the pages of history whose like the world never saw. Time has never before looked 
upon so sublime an uprising as its organization. On August 26, 1862, the 
Twenty-fourth regiment assembled in this place to receive a flag. They were the 
very flower of our citizens from all parts of the county. The regiment has followed 
that flag on many a bloody field. At Gettysburg, fourteen different persons bore it 
aloft and guarded it, nine of whom were killed or mortally wounded on the field and 
two otherwise wounded. * * * I need follow no more these thinned ranks. Its 
old flag, begrimed and in tatters, has never been waved over cowards or been dimmed 
by the blight of disloyalty. We replace it to-day with another blazoned with the 
memorials of battle and destined we hope to return with greater glories. To you, 
sir, [turning to Colonel Morrow] I commit this flag. I know it will never be 



226 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

dishonored, your gallant men have done too well to fail in the future. Bear to your 
command the hearty greetings of their fellow citizens, who will never forget the 
heroes of Gettysburg, the Iron Twenty-fourth. 

The following poem by D. Bethune Duffield, Esq., was then 
read : 

1. What tho' fair maids be sighing, and what tho' wives are crying. 

As they buckle on the belt ; 
Our flag is up and flying, and soldier boys are dying. 
Where the battle's blows are dealt. 
Chorus — So march, boys, march with the gallant Twenty-fourth, 

And o'er each hill and glade, where our noble boys are laid. 
We'll sing the priceless Worth of the Triple State Brigade, 
The Ironclad Brigade and the gallant Twenty-fourth. 

2. You know the stormy waking when day was slowly breaking, 

'Round Frederick's cloudy height; 
How like the thunder quaking, our guns the hills were shaking. 
And how bloody was the fight. 
Chorus — Then march, boys, march with the gallant Twenty-fourth, 

And on Frederick's Esplanade, where our noble boys are laid, etc. 

3. At Fitzhugh's bloody crossing, how dark those waves were tossing, 

As our boats rushed on their way. 
With oar and musket clashing, and bullets round us splashing. 
How we stormed on to the fray. 
Chorus — Then march, boys, march with the gallant Twenty-fourth, 

And along the river's shade, when the cannon on us played, etc. 

4. Then through the midnight marching, our tongues all dry and parching. 

To Chancellorsville we prest ; 
When, from the dead fast piling, the noblest souls were filing, 
' To the soldier's final rest. 

Chorus — Then march, boys, march with the gallant Twenty-fourth, 

And through that dreary glade where those hero boys are laid, etc. 

5. Next, thro' Gettysburg we trod ; and still trusting in our God, 

Thro' those Independence Days, 
With our blood we soaked the sod, and o'er hundreds heaped the clod. 
Their holy mound of praise. 
Chorus — Then march, boys, march with the gallant Twenty-fourth, 

And when that grassy glade, by our blue coats was o'erlaid, etc. 

6. Then Peck our colors grasping, tho' death his form was clasping. 

Still held them up in sight. 
Till other hands were reaching, and other boys beseeching. 
To bear them thro' the fight. 
Chorus — So march, boys, march with the gallant Twenty-fourth, 

And where they all were laid, Grace, Dickey, Safford, Speed, etc. 



WINTER QUARTERS NEAR CULPEPPER. 



227 



7. That flag now rent and tattered, by shell and bullet shattered, 
Is sacred in our eyes ; 
For when the Captain found it, five brave ones were lying around it. 
Who fell to save the prize. 
Chorus — Then march, boys, march with the gallant Twenty-fourth, 

Since by each broken blade, that on their breasts were laid. 
They won immortal birth, for the Triple State Brigade, 
For the Iron Clad Brigade and our gallant Twenty-fourth. 

S. What tho' fair maids be sighing, and what tho' wives are crying. 
As they buckle on the belt. 
Our flag is up and flying, and soldier boys are dying, 
Where the battle's blows are dealt. 
Chorus — So march, boys, march with the gallant Twenty-fourth, 

And if by hill or glade, in our blanket robes we're laid, 
Still our land shall see the worth of our Triple State Brigade, 
The Iron Clad Brigade and the gallant Twenty-fourth. 

After the reading of the above poem, Colonel Morrow made a 
long speech exhorting all to rally to the support of the President, to 
stay up his hands as Joshua stayed up the hands of Moses of old. 
He bore the new fiag back to the regiment and the following color 
guard volunteered to carry and protect it: 

Co/or Bearers : Sergeant George R. Welch of C and Corporal Thomas Saunders 
of K. Color Guard: Corporals George Higbee of B, Patrick Coffee of E, Marshall 
Bills of H, Joseph U. B. Hedger of I, Amos B. Cooley of F, William Thompson of A, 
John T. Paris of G and Walter Morley of D. 

Several of these were promoted to Corporals for this honorable 
and dangerous task. The old flag was cut in pieces and divided up 
among the men of the Twenty-fourth as mementos. 

Colonel Morrow having returned to the regiment on May i, 1864, 
immediately put it in shape for the campaign about to open. 
Marching orders were received on the 3d of May. The following was 
the roster of the ofificers of the regiment at that date, present for 
duty: 



Colonel, Henry A. Morrow. 
Lt.-Col., W. W. Wight. 
Major, A. M. Edwards. 
Adjutant, Seril Chilson. 
Surgeon, J. H. Beech. 
Asst. Surgeon, Geo. W. Towar. 
Chaplain, Wm. C. Way. 
Qr. Master, David Congdon. 
Com. Sergt., C. H. McConnell. 
Qr. M. Sergt., Alonzo Eaton. 
Hosp. Steward, E. D. Wallace. 
Prin. Musician, Edwin Cotton, 
Sergt. Major, A. F. Ziegler. 



Captain, Geo. W. Burchell, B. 
" John Witherspoon, C. 
" George Hutton, E. 
" Edwin E. Norton, H. 
" Wm. R. Dodsley, K. 
ist Lieut., Michael Dempsey, A. 
" Geo. a. Ross, B. 
" W. B. Hutchinson, C. 

Geo. W. Haigh, D. 

Benj. W. Hendricks, F. 

E. B. Welton, G. 
" E. B. Wilkie, I. 
" Geo. H. Pinkney, K. 



228 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Captain Richard S. Dillon of A was Acting Assistant Inspec- 
tor-General, and Lieutenant Andrew J. Connor of E was Acting 
Aide, on the Iron Brigade staff. Both had been appointed to such 
duties January 6, 1864. Captain John M. Farland of D had been in 
the hospital in Washington for treatment since March 20, 1864. 
Captain William Hutchinson of G was in Michigan on recruiting 
service. Of the thirty-nine commissioned ofificers originally with the 
regiment, including the surgeons and chaplain, but ten were left at 
this time, besides three who were held in Southern prisons: Captain 
Gordon of I, First Lieutenant Sprague of F, and Second Lieutenant 
Whitinsf of A. 




THE OLD FLAG. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Grants Campaign- 1864. 



BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 

MAY I, 1864, the Army of the Potomac lay along the north 
side of the Rapidan, and Lee's army was well intrenched 
a few miles south of that stream. Grant had 99,000 men 
and 274 guns; Lee had 62,000 men and 224 guns. Grant 
had the most men and reserves from the North to fill up his depleted 
ranks. Lee had no such reserve from the South to draw on. Boys 
of seventeen and old men of fifty-five had been gathered into his 
ranks and the last successful levy had been made. But Lee had the 
advantage in defensive and inner positions, the country being better 
adapted to a defensive than offensive campaign. At midnight 
of Tuesday, May 3, the bugle once more sounded the fall-in call, and 
the army began its march on the great forward movement to exhaust 
the military resources of the rebellion. 




ROUTE OF mON BRIAODE TO THE RA PI TAN. 



(229) 



230 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Soon after midnight on Wednesday morning, May 4, the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan with the Iron Brigade and Fifth Corps, broke 
camp near Culpepper. They passed around to the south of that town, 
thence by Pony Mountain through Stevensburg, about twenty miles, 
and on to Germanna Ford by 10 o'clock A. M. The march was very 
hard and the weather warm. After a halt of an hour, it crossed the 
Rapidan without opposition, on pontoons, and continued along the 
Germanna Plank Road to its junction with the Orange Court House 
Turnpike ; then east to the Wilderness Tavern, and bivouacked 
where Grant and Meade came up the next morning, Thursday, May 5, 
and made their headquarters during the battle. 

The Wilderness is a few miles west of Chancellorsville battle- 
ground and is so named from its makeup of dense second-growth 
woods and entangled thickets amid deep scrub pines, in which troops 
could be seen but a few rods away, nor could artillery be used to 
advantage. 

Early this morning, May 5, the Twenth-fourth was ordered out, 

and cofTee over, it was drawn up in 
line and men and guns counted. There 
were present 302 men in the ranks, 
(some of whom were recruits), three 
field of^cers besides the Adjutant and 
Sergeant-Major, and thirteen line 
officers, a total of 320. 

Shortly after the roll had been called, 
the Corps took up its line of march for 
Parker's store on the Orange Court 
House Plank Road, Crawford's Division 
leading, followed by Wadsworth's, with 
Robinson's and Grififin's bringing up 
the rear. The Corps advanced along 
a woody road, and shortly after the 
head of the column had reached the 
open ground at Chewning's farm, about a mile from Parker's Store, the 
enemy's skirmishers were encountered. A halt was ordered. The 
head of the column countermarched a short distance, turned to the 
right and formed a line of battle at right angles with the woody road, 
facing southwest. Grififin was ordered to form his Division on the 
right of the Orange Turnpike and Wadsworth on the left, supported 
on the left by Dennison's Brigade of Robinson's Division. As the 
line of battle was formed, it placed the Iron Brigade at the left of the 




GERMANNA CROSSING. 



grant's campaign — 1864. 231 

Division and the Twenty-fourth Michigan on the left of the Iron Brigade. 
On its right was the Nineteenth Indiana, followed by the Second and 
Seventh Wisconsin on the right. The Seventh Indiana and Sixth 
Wisconsin were held in reserve. In these positions the two Divisions, 
about 10 o'clock, were ordered forward to attack the enemy. Pushing 
through the dense thickets, at times marching b}' the flank to close up 
with the right, then again in line, the two divisions advanced about 
one mile with the skirmish line in front. Here the Confederate line 
of battle was encountered, two lines deep, made up of troops from 
General Ewell's Corps. The firing at once became brisk all along the 
line, and the battle of the Wilderness had begun in earnest. After a 
short but very sharp engagement, the Iron Brigade with its old-time 
yell, charged the enemy, completely destroying the first line of battle 
which consisted of Jones' Brigade of Johnson's Division, capturing 
about 300 prisoners, the Twenty-fourth Michigan securing the battle 
flag of the Forty-eighth Virginia of Jones' Brigade. This flag was 
taken from a Confederate color-bearer by Major Albert M. Edwards 
of the Twenty-fourth Michigan. This act was witnessed by Sergeant 
William C. Bates of Company A of the latter regiment. We are thus 
particular because some accounts attribute the capture of that flag to 
another regiment. Major Edwards carried the flag to the rear. 
When Colonel Morrow was brought to the regiment on a stretcher 
after he was wounded, he made a brief good-bye speech to the boys. 

Major Edwards tore the captured flag' from its staff and put it in 
Colonel Morrow's haversack. The latter took it to the hospital in 
Washington with him, and then to Detroit where it was on exhibition. 
It was afterwards placed in the archives of the War Department at 
Washington. 

Pushing ahead for the second line of the enemy without waiting 
to reform its own ranks, the Iron Brigade was soon engaged in another 
sharp fight with this second line which proved to be the "Stonewall 
Brigade." Driving them back, they were believed to have retired 
from the field. Instead, the commanding oflicer of the "Stonewall 
Brigade," having discovered that the left flank of the Iron Brigade 
was entirely unprotected, had fallen back beyond the range of the 
Union guns, reformed his ranks, moved by his right flank and placed 
his brigade on the left flank and rear of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, 
and between it and Dennison's brigade which should have protected 
that flank.* McCandless' Brigade of Crawford's Division had been 



*An officer of the Stonewall Brigade, who was in the battle, during a conversation with a member 
of the Twenty-fourth Michigan some years ago, stated that his Brigade executed the movement described 
abovej 



232 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



ordered to make connection with the left of the Iron Brigade when it 
advanced through the woods, but had failed to keep up with the 
rapid advance of Wadsworth's Division. This movement of the 
enemy compelled the left of Wadsworth's Division to fall back in 
some confusion and thus all the advantage gained by the hard fighting 



Stowifyall Bcisa^a.l^loosAvo. 



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i4^ 


jvaioit. 








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TW^lUclc.aess Kax^ S^,l£»l.^. 



was sacrificed by the failure of Dennison's Brigade properly to protect 
the left flank of the Division. 

Historians generally have asserted that in the advance the left of 
Wadsworth's Division changed its direction so as to project its left 
flank directly in front of the enemy's line of battle. Possibly the 
direction man have been changed, but upon positive proof by actors 
in the fight, the line of the enemy was struck squarely in front by the 



grant's campaign — 1864. 



233 



Twenty-fourth Michigan, and not until that movement of the 
" Stonewall Brigade " described above, did the Iron Brigade receive a 
single shot from the left flank and rear. Some of the men of the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan were captured before they had gone twenty 
feet to the rear, running directly into the Confederate lines. 

The whole line of Wadsworth's Division fell back through the 
woods in considerable confusion and reformed near the Lacey House. 
Here the troops were ordered to throw up intrenchments, and while 
engaged in this work, Wadsworth's Division was ordered to stop and 
march to the left to support the right of the Second Corps. Moving 
into a dense woods, Stone's Pennsylvania Brigade in the advance, the 











THE WILDERNESS BATTLE-FIELD. 



234 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



lines of the enemy were soon developed, and a heavy musketry fire 
resulted between this brigade and the enemy's skirmishers. The 
Twenty-fourth Michigan in this movement and the fighting of the 
next day was faced by the rear ranks. The enemy retired slowly and 
about 8 o'clock r. M. the firing died away. The troops of 
Wadsworth's Division laid on their arms all night in close proximity 
to the enemy, the skirmish lines of the opposing forces not being over 
one hundred feet apart. Frequent alarms were given during the 
night which- resulted in the killing and wounding of a number of the 
Twenty-fourth who were out on picket. 

To show how close the lines were and the density of the forest, the 
skirmish line on the right of the Twenty-fourth was ordered forward, 
when a voice rang out a few paces in front, " Halt ! who comes there ?" 
"Friends," was the answer. "What division do you belong to?" 
"The Fourth," was the reply. "What State do you come from?" 

"New York." The reply came back "shoot the yankees." 

Many from both armies in looking for water during the night, found 
themselves prisoners within the opposing lines, so close were they and 
so__thick the underbrush. 

About five o'clock on the morning of the 6th, General Birney's 
Division df Hancock's Corps advanced past the left of the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan, in line of battle, and marched straight for 
the enemy's lines, the whole of Wadsworth's Division advancing at 




IRON BRIGADE FIGHTING IN THE WILDERNESS. 



grant's campaign — 1864. 235 

the same time, General Rice's Brigade forming the first line and the 
Iron Brigade the second and third. The battle was resumed with 
determination on both sides. Warren attacked Ewell's right Avhich 
had been strengthened during the night. The attacks on both sides 
were frequent and persistent. It was learned from prisoners that 
Longstreet was expected with I2,000*mcn to attack our left. Hence 
Wadsworth's Division, as above noted, had been sent to assist 
Hancock. Returning to the Iron Brigade, in a few minutes a heavy- 
fire of musketry was opened by the contending lines, the woods being 
too heavy to permit the use of artillery. The Confederate line, 
consisting of Hill's Corps, had been driven back at all points, when 
Longstreet's Corps came up, formed quickly, and at once attacked 
Birney's and Wadsworth's Divisions. A very severe conflict ensued 
between these Divisions and the enemy, the lines at times swaying 
backwards and forwards. 

The Union troops by this time had approached near the open 
ground of Tapp's farm which was held by the enemy's artillery. At 
once the guns were turned upon the Union lines with deadly effect, 
and as not a single gun could be brought into action by our forces, 
the result was very demoralizing to the troops subjected to the heavy 
fire, coming at the time when Longstreet's fresh troops were charging 
upon them. The Union line began to waver, break up and fall back 
in confusion, finally giving way. The troops of the Second Corps 
fell back to their earthworks on the Brock Road from where they 
had started in the morning, while Wadsworth's fell back to the open 
ground near the Lacey House. Some of the Twenty-fourth getting 
mixed up with Birney's troops in the retreat, fell back with them to the 
Brock Road and aided in repulsing the Confederates when they 
charged on Hancock's position. Twice they massed their forces and 
fell upon the Federal position, but were repulsed each time with 
terrible slaughter. On the afternoon of the 6th, the Iron Brigade 
built earthworks and remained there all day the 7th, the opposing 
lines only being known by the continuous yelling. 

While gallantly trying to rally his flying troops who were hard 
pressed. General Wadsworth had two horses shot under him, and he 
was soon after mortally wounded, dying in the hands of the enemy. 
His death produced profound sorrow. A man of large wealth, he 
offered his services to the government and served without pay, nobly 
sacrificing his life in its defence. The Union loss by his death was 
equalled only by that of General Reynolds. Colonel Williams of the 
Nineteenth Indiana was killed and General Robinson wounded. 
Several leading Confederate Generals were also killed and wounded, 
including General Longstreet. The loss on both sides was fearful. 



236 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 




GENERAL JAMES S. WADSWORTH, KILLED IN THE WILDERNESS, MAY 6, 1864. 

The woods took fire in many places .and it is estimated that 200 
Union wounded perished in the flames and smoke, among whom were 
several of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, undoubtedly, as they have 
never been heard from since. The Union loss in killed and wounded 
was 12,485 in addition to the captured. The following were the losses 
of the Twenty-fourth Michigan in the Battle of the Wilderness, May 
5 and 6, 1864. Those marked with a star (*) occurred on the second 
day, all the rest occurred on the first day of the battle: 



DIED ON THE BATTLE-FIELD. 

Captain George Hutton. of E. Body supposed to have been burned up in the 
woods. 

First Lieutenant William B. Hutchinson,* of C. 

Sergt. Charles Pinkerton, C. James McKee,* C. 

" Erastus W. Hine, F. William McLaughlin, C, 

" Oren S. Stoddard, F. Theodore Palmer, D. 

Corp. Anton Krapohl, B. John Stoffold, F. 

" John A. Bartlett, C. Edwin Belong, G. 

" Edward H. Hamer, G. Gilbert Dubuc, H. 

Henry McNames (R), H. George Teufil, H. 

Seymour L. Burns, I. Francis E. Miller, K. 
James Malley, A. 

Privates Burns and McNames were desperately wounded and their bodies are 
supposed to have been burned up in the woods. 



grant's campaign — 1864. 



237 



WOUNDED. 

Colonel Henry A. Morrow, severely in leg. 
Captain John Witherspoon, breast, C. 
First Lieutenant Benjamin W. Hendricks, wrist, G 
Sergeant Major Augustus F. Ziegler, (N. C. S.) 



Sergt. Joseph R. Boyle, neck, E. 

Wm. H. Hoffman, breast, H. 

" Albert E. Bigelow, leg, I. 
Corp. Jas. P. Horen, arm amputated, A. 

" Peter N. Girardin,* hand, A. 

" George A. McDonald, ear, A. 

" Clark Eddy, scalp, C. 

" Aiken HoUovvay, bowels, C. 

" John A. Sherwood, arm, C. 
John W. Proctor, thumb, E. 
Peter Desnoyer, (R.), arm, A. 
Albert Peyscha, both legs, A. 
Edward B. Chope, contusion, B. 
Robert H. CoUison (R.), scalp, B. 
John B. McCrudden,* hand, B. 
Wm A. Herrendeen, knee, C. 
Frank T. Stewart, hand, C. 
Robert C. Bird, leg, D. 
Samuel Brown* (R.), hand, D. 



Samuel Reed,* (R.) hand, D 
Joseph Collins, (R.) arm, E. 
John Moynahan, body, E. 
John G. Klink, hand, F. 
Frank H. Pixley,* body, F. 
Samuel Brown, thumb, G. 
James Ford, hand, G. 
Charles Stotiet, knee, G. 
Thomas Burnett (R ), hand, H. 
Michael Donavan, arm, H. 
Edward L. Farrell, body, H. 
Jacob H. Canfield, knee, I. 
Palmer Rhoades, body, I. 
William J. Chase, hand, K. 
Charles Gaffney, body, K. 
Isaac I. Green, leg, K. 
Isaac M. Jenner, hand, K. 
Barney J. Litogot, hand, K. 
Charles A. Sutliff, hand, K. 



CAl'TURED AND TAKEN TO SOUTHERN PRISONS. 



Capt. Edwin E. Norton, H. 
Sergt. William C. Bates, w'd, A. 

" George Dingwall, A. 

" E. Ben Fischer, D. 

" Eugene F. Nardin, w'd, I. 

" Augustus Hussey, H. 

" Emile Mettetal,!. 
Corp. Wm. H. Blanchard, A. 
Mark T. Chase, w'd, A. 

" Charles W. Fuller, A. 

" John M. Andres, w'd, D. 

" Rice F. Bond, E. 

" Levi S. Freeman, F. 

" Israel Harris, H. 

" Henry L. Houk, I. 

" Joseph U. B. Hedger, w'd, I. 
Jonathan D. Chase, A. 
Alexis Declaire, A. 
Francis Griffin (Recruit), A. 
Robert Phillips, A. 
Lewis A. B.aldwin, B 
Samuel Fury, B. 
Peter Velie (Recruit), B. 



George W. Kynoch, w'd, C. 
Andrew B. Lanning, C. 
Nelson Pooler, C. 
Alfred C. Willis, C. 
George P. Roth, D. 
Patrick Connelly, F. 
William Jewell, G. 
Marion Hamilton, G. 
Andrew Musberger (R), G. 
Clement Saunier, (R), G. 
Philip T. Dunroe, H. 
Marquis L. Lapaugh, H. 
George M. Riley, H. 
Hiram Bentley, I. 
James S. Innes, I. 
James Johnson (R.), I. 
George W. Ormsbee, I 
Joseph Peyette (R.). I. 
Max Pischa (R), K. 
Frederick Smoots (R.), K. 
Wilber F. Straight, w'd, K. 

MISSING. 

Julius Schultz (R.), A. 



Charles R. Dobbins, C. 

Summary: — Died on Battle-field, 19; wounded, 42; wounded and captured 
also, 7 ; other prisoners, 39. Total 107, equal to one-third of the regiment in two 
days. The casualties of the rest of the Iron Brigade, in this and the rest of the 
engagements will appear in a later chapter. 



2^8 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN, 



THE SITUATION. — LEFT FLANK MOVEMENT. 

The fearful losses of the past two days satisfied both commanders, 
Grant and Lee, that no advantage could accrue to either, by a renewal 
of the bloody contest in the Wilderness, Saturday morning, May 7, 
found each army behind its intrenched position. The contest so far 
had allowed no maneuvering and little generalship. The armies were 
but a few rods apart and yet scarcely able to see each other's works, 
the noise of the guns and cheers of the men only, disclosing their 
positions. Like two huge serpents they had rolled against each other 
and fought till each seemed tired out. It was neither a victory nor a 
defeat for either, and there was grim determination on both sides. 
The day was spent with but little fighting and with some changes of 
position, the Iron Brigade moving its line half a mile to the right in 
rear of some other troops. 

General Lysander Cutler who had thus far been in command of 
the Iron Brigade now took command of the Division in place of 
General Wadsworth, killed, and Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson of the 
Seventh Wisconsin assumed command of the Iron Brigade. 

Before setting out on this campaign. General Grant had resolved 
upon the " left flank movement " to Richmond, by which was meant, 
that in case of failure to defeat or rout the enemy in one place, he 
would flank him out of such position and compel him to fight on 
another field. This was done by moving by night one corps, usually 
the right, around to the left of his army, and so on. About 9 o'clock 
Saturday night May 7, Grant began his first left flank movement, 
towards Spottsylvania Court House, about thirteen miles distant. Lee 
discovere.d the movement and started his army by a parallel road 
about a mile south, for the same place, he moving on the chord and 
Grant on the arc of the circle. (See map on page 233.) 

FIGHTING AT LAUREL HILL (FIELD OF SPOTTSYLVANIA). 

Warren's Corps (in which was the Iron Brigade) started by way of 
Todd's Tavern on the Brock Road, but by reason of impeding trains, 
fallen trees, and the enemy's cavalry, it did not reach Spottsylvania, 
Lee's forces getting there first. The Iron Brigade arriving at Todd's 
Tavern, seven miles distant, at daylight, Sunday morning. May 8. 
The enemy held Laurel Hill a position about half way between 
Todd's Tavern and Spottsylvania, and before which the Iron Brigade 
arrived at 8 o'clock. While some of the Brigade was preparing cofTee, 
the Brigade was ordered into line, the men drinking their coffee on 



grant's campaign — 1864. 



239 



the run. Forming under fire of the enemy's artillery, they advanced 
to the assault of the enemy's intrenchments on Laurel Hill. The 
Twenty-fourth Michigan was in the center of the Iron Brigade and 
the Second and Seventh Wisconsin on its flanks. After a severe 
contest they had to fall back to the edge of the woods where they 
reformed and again advanced, driving the enemy over the ground 
where they had just fought. Taking a strong position 300 yards from 
the enemy they fortified it with earthworks. Several times the 




todd's tavern. 

enemy charged upon these works but were repulsed each time. In 
this position they spent the night. In losses the Twenty-fourth had 
suffered some but not severely, but the losses in the rest of the army 
were great. Two of our boys in Battery B were killed, William Irving 
of I and Isaac L. Vandecar of K. 

[One of the touching incidents of this slaughter was the death of Isaac 
Vandecar from the Twenty-fourth Michigan. For some time he had taken care of 
"Old Tartar" (Old " Bob-tail"), who was always esteemed one of the most important 
and meritorious "comrades" in the Battery. Ike was serving on one of the guns 
and an exploding case shot literally made a sieve of him — no less than four missiles 
hitting the poor boy. He was struck in the face, breast, abdomen and groin by shot. 
Captain Stewart said to him, " Van, my poor boy, what can I do for you ?" "Nothing," 
replied Ike, with perfect composure, "I know I must die, and I want you to see that 
"Old Tartar" has good care after I am gone." — From the Cannotieer.^ 

Monday, May 9. The Iron Brigade early made additions to their 
works and an abatis in front. There was active picket firing during 
the day, one shot killing General Sedgwick. Lieutenant-Colonel W. 
W. Wight having gone to the hospital, the command of the 
Twenty-fourth devolved upon Major A. M. Edwards. In the evening 
the enemy advanced, driving in the pickets of the Iron Brigade, and 
established a body of their skirmishers in a thick wood but fifty 
yards from our breastworks, but a volunteer party from the Seventh 

(IC) 



240 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Wisconsin and a detail from the Twenty-fourth Michigan drove 
them back. 

Tuesday, May 10. Skirmishers were pushed forward at noon 
through thick woods to develop the character of the enemy's position, 
followed by the Iron Brigade. The enemy's skirmishers were forced 
back into their works, and our men got up near enough to learn that 
Lee had strengthened his lines with heavy artillery throughout, and 
had a flank fire along his lines, his works being concealed in great 
part by dense woods. At 4 P. M. his position was assaulted by 
Crawford's and Cutler's Divisions. The forest of dead pine and 
cedar trees with hard, sharp-pointed branches made it very difificult for 
our troops to advance under the heavy artiller)^ and musketry fire 
which they met at the outset. 

Moving forward into the open ground near the enemy's works 
with disordered ranks, in face of the terrible enfilading fire, they 
pressed on, some to the abatis, others of the Seventh Wisconsin to 
the very crest of their parapet, but such as survived were driven back 
with heavy loss. In this attack. Cutler's Division was formed in three 
lines, the Iron Brigade being in the third line. The enemy broke the 
first line and sent them over the left wing of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan which broke and ran for their works, but immediately 
reformed and joined the regiment. General Rice, commanding the 
Second Brigade of this division was mortally wounded. The assault 




RON BRIGADE CHARGING UPON LAUREL HILL. 



grant's campaign — 1864. 241 

was a failure and our troops returned to their works for a more 
desperate struggle toward evening. At 7 o'clock P. M., the Second 
and part of the Fifth Corps moved to the attack. Our troops 
struggled up the slopes of Laurel Hill in face of a deadly storm of 
missiles, and even penetrated the enemy's breastworks, but this 
charge too, proved a failure, and our forces retired behind their 
earthworks for the night, after a hard day of fighting. 

Wednesday, May 11. Though the dead and wounded of both 
armies lay in thousands on the field, at 8 o'clock this morning. General 
Grant sent his characteristic dispatch to the Secretary of War, saying : 
" I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer," and the 
day was spent in preparations for another battle. During the day, 
the Second Wisconsin having become reduced to less than 100 men 
without field officers, it was detailed as provost guard of the Fourth 
Division to serve out its term and was no longer a part of the Iron 
Brigade. This simple statement of its reduced numbers by battle 
and service losses speaks more pointedly the praise of this noble 
Second Wisconsin than any language we can employ. To-day Major 
Edwards with seventy-five men of the Twenty-fourth Michigan was 
detailed to form an abatis in front. At sunset a heavy rainstorm 
came up, the first since the army crossed the Rapidan and the men 
were without shelter. At dark Hancock was ordered to move his 
corps around to the left between Wright and Burnside and assault at 
daylight. Warren was ordered to hold both his own position and the 
one Hancock left. 

Thursday, May 12. At 4:30 this morning, Warren's Corps 
opened with all its artillery on the enemy in his front, and their 
skirmish line was pushed in. About 10 o'clock, the Iron Brigade and 
its Corps charged upon Laurel Hill for the fourth time, but failed to 
carry the enemy's works, the losses being heavy on both sides. The 
brush was thick and the marsh hay catching fire, burned some of our 
wounded not twenty feet from the works of the enemy. 

THE SALIENT OR BLOODY ANGLE. 

At 4:30 o'clock on this same morning. May 12, while Warren's 
guns were playing upon the enemy in his front, Hancock's Second 
Corps troops dashed noiselessly through the Confederate abatis towards 
the salient of an earthwork, north of the Brock Road and nearly north 
of Spottsylvania Court House, held by the enemy under Generals 
Johnson and Stewart. Then with loud cheers they dashed over into 



242 , HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

their works; a desperate hand to hand conflict with the enemy was 
had, but the SaHent was taken with those two generals, 4,000 troops, 
30 pieces of artillery, 30 stands of colors, and several thousand small 
arms. General Hancock had been an old army friend of General 
Stewart and offered the latter his hand, but the haughty Southron 
refused it saying: "I decline, sir, under the circumstances to take 
your hand." Hancock instantly replied: "And only when you are 
my prisoner, sir, would I offer you my hand." 

This was a well planned, brilliant dash and, in fact, about the 
only victory won over the enemy aside from gradually wearing them 
out, that our army had obtained since crossing the Rapidan, and the 
news of it greatly elated all our forces. However, the ground gained 
was not long held. The movement was made in a severe rainstorm 
and the enemy amid the smoke and rain instantly pushed large bodies 
of troops forward to regain the ground at all hazards. They made a 
sudden charge and reoccupied the Salient. Hancock's troops were 
forced over the breastworks which they then also used as breastworks 
outside the Salient. 

In this narrow space of the Salient or Angle, captured before 
dawn and recaptured by the enemy, raged the fiercest battle of the 
war, so alarmed by both Union and Confederate authorities. It was 
the bloodiest spot in any battle since the use of gunpowder in war. 
In rear of the Salient breastworks, the enemy had completed a second 
Hne. On both sides of the Salient-breastworks and to the right and 
left of the Salient, the battle raged fiercely till far into the night. 
The Confederate dead were piled up several deep. It was known as 
the "Angle of Death." Five times Lee's troops dashed against his 
side of the Salient to drive away the Union forces. The fighting was 
from hand to hand over the breastworks and the flags of both were 
frequently planted on their top but a few feet apart, till the bearers 
were shot down and they were rehoisted by others. 

At 2 o'clock P. M., Cutler's Division moved around to the left 
about three miles to help Hancock, as the enemy was determined to 
retain the Salient at any cost. The skirmishers of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan were left on picket for an hour and then rejoined the 
regiment. At 3 o'clock, the Iron Brigade formed on an elevation to 
the rear of Hancock's Corps. The Seventh Wisconsin relieved some 
of his troops who occupied the enemy's first line of intrenchments 
gained in the early morning attack and one side of the Salient- 
breastworks, while the enemy held their second line at the Salient. 
During the whole afternoon and night the Union troops kept up a 



grant's campaign — 1864. 



243 



constant fire in one place to prevent the enemy from removing and 
using eighteen pieces of his artillery parked under and near a large 
oak tree which stood just inside the Confederate intrenchments within 
the Salient between his lines. The Seventh Wisconsin did duty there 
till dark when the Twenty-fourth Michigan and Sixth Wisconsin were 
sent down to take their places directly in front of that tree and the 
Salient, the left of the Twenty-fourth being about fifty feet from the 
enemy's works. The Twenty-fourth had instructions to fire on each 
side of that oak tree to prevent the enemy's guns there from being 



^„^J6r>^!, 








TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN AND SIXTH WISCONSIN AT THE SALIENT. 



removed. The night was very dark and the flash of the enemy's 
muskets over their second line showed their line of earthworks at the 
Salient, and the oak tree was used as a guide to fire by. 

Standing in deep mud and keeping up a constant fire for hours 
and till after midnight, the men's muskets became so foul that details 
were made to clean the guns while their comrades kept up the fire. 
The men were so weary (having been under fire night and day for a 
week), that some lay down in the mud under the enemy's fire and 
slept soundly amid the thunders of battle, despite all efforts to arouse 
them. During the night the remnant of the Twenty-fourth used up 
5,000 rounds of cartridges at this spot. Lossing says: 

Probably there never was a battle in which so many bullets flew in a given 
space of time and distance. Two years afterward full one-half of the trees of the 
wood, at a point where the fiercest struggle ensued within the Salient of the 
Confederate works, were dead. 



244 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 




The fighting at the Salient was continued till midnight when, 
after a contest of twenty hours, Lee gave it up and withdrew from the 
place altogether. In the War Department at Washington is the 
section of the trunk of the large oak tree, referred to above, which 
stood inside the Confederate Salient and under which were the 
Confederate batteries, which the constant musketry firing prevented 
them from getting and using. The section of the tree is five feet six 
inches in height and twenty-one inches in diameter, and had been 
finally cut off by the Union bullets fired that night 
from guns in the hands of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan and Sixth Wisconsin. This section of 
said tree was on exhibition at the Centennial, and 
a picture of it is here given. Several eastern 
regiments are claimed in the "Century" to have 
shot this tree off, Second Corps regiments of 
course. They undoubtedly helped; but it is a 
historical fact that the tree fell about midnight 
after several hours of shooting at it by the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan and Sixth Wisconsin. 
These two regiments stood nearest to it, fired at it 
SECTION OP TREE CUT DOWN longfest, and were shooting away at it zvJien it fell. 

BY BULLETS AT THE SA- O ' Q J J 

LiENT," FIELD OP spoTT- jj^jg jg ^.^g ^j-ue account of that battle-field relic 

SYLVANIA. 

But all the regiments which fired at it that day and night should share 
whatever honor attaches to this feat. 

Friday, May 13. During the night Major Edwards, commanding 
the regiment, became tired and sat down to rest on what he supposed 
was a log, but it proved to be a dead man. At daylight the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan moved up and found only one unharmed 
Confederate in the works, the rest having quietly left in the night. 
The Second corps men lay thick on the ground, riddled with bullets. 
Over in the Salient was the most awful sight ever witnessed on a 
battlefield — dead Confederates lay several deep, in all shapes as they 
fell — some piled up for breastworks to protect those still living. The 
trench by the Salient breastwork was filled with dead men and the 
burial party never removed them but turned the breastworks over 
upon them for a covering — thus they actually died in their graves. 

The Twenty-fourth moved a short distance to the right and 
joined the rest of the Iron Brigade. After dark it went on picket 
though up all the night before. It remained out till nearly midnight 
when moving orders came, which proved to be another left flank 
affair. 



(;rant's campaign— 1864. 



245 



SPOTTSVLVANIA COURT HOUSE. 

Soon after midnight on the morning of May 14, the Fifth Corps 
was on the march which was kept up till morning. It went via 
Shelton's, Landrum's and thence by a farm road to the Ny River 










FIELD OF SPOTTSVLVANIA. 



which it forded. The column then moved across the country through 
fields to the Fredericksburg and Spottsylvania Court House road, 
along which it advanced, and re-crossed the Ny waist deep, and 
formed on the left of Burnside's Corps. This circuitous night march 
was only eight miles but very fatiguing. It was rainy and the 
darkness intense. Fires were built along the route but the rain and 
mist extinguished them. The mud was deep and the march slow; 
yet men lost their way and lay down exhausted until daylight enabled 
them to go on. Only forty-six men were up with the regiment when 
it halted at^daylight, but the rest came up during the day. 



246 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



The Iron Brigade was now about half a mile northeast of 
Spottsylvania Court House in the first line of battle with its corps 
the left of the Brigade resting on the Fredericksburg Turnpike. 
This Corps had been ordered to attack at 6 A. M. but it was so 
scattered that the attack was deferred. The armies intrenched, and 
faced each other for a week, each seeking an opportunity to gain some 
advantage. 

Early on May 18, a fierce artillery duel took place, followed by 
an assault of the Second and Sixth Corps, which was repulsed. In 
the evening the enemy attacked and were in turn severely repulsed. 
This is often the fate of the attacking party on either side. It suffers 
the most. The Union losses on the battlefield of Spottsylvania were 
15,722 killed and wounded and 2001 missing and prisoners, a total 
Union loss of full 33,000 since crossing the Rapidan only eight days 
before. 



CASUALTIES OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN AT LAUREL HILL. 



KILLED OR 

On May 8, 1864. 
William Irving (in Battery), I. 
Isaac L. Vandecar (in Battery), K. 
John H. Fryer, K. 

On May lO, 1864. 
Corp. John T. Paris, leg ampt'd, G. 
Reuben Cory, D. 
Horace Rofe, D. 
Andrew J. Marden, G. 
Charles A. Wilson, G. 
John Matrie, I. 

On May 12, 1864. 
Sergt. John M. Reed, leg ampt'd, B. 
" William Floyd, E. 

On May 8, 1864. 
Sergt. George R. Welsh, leg, C. 
Corp. Wm. D. Lyon, thigh, K. 
Peter Batway (Battery), G. 
John Orth (Battery), D. 
Peter Vermiller(R.), A. 
Orson Westfall, shoulder, C. 
John Danbert, D. 
John R. Brown, hand, K. 
Elijah Little, hand, K. 

On May 9, 1864. 
Frank Brennon, arm, A. 



MORTALLY WOUNDED. 

On May 12, 1864. 
Corp. George P. Hubbell, C. 

" Michael O'Brien, D. 

" Albert A. Wallace, D. 

" James T. Rupert, K. 
Philip Blissing, with enemy, A. 
William Lawrence (R), B, 
Lorenz Raiser, D. 
Patrick J. Kinney, E. 
Frederick Chavey, F. 
George A. Neef, F. 
Henry Coonrad, I. 
August Lahser, I. 

WOUNDED. 

Err Cady, foot, B. 
William W. Coon, face, I. 

On May 10, 1864. 
Sergt. Jacob M. Van Riper, K. 
Corp. Alexander Purdy, D. 
John Passage, jr., hand, C. 
Ralph G. Terry, arm, C. 
William T. Nowland, arm, D. 
Henry Bedford (R.), G. 
William Weiner, hand, G. 
Artemas Hosmer, head, K. 



grant's campaigx — 1864. 247 

On May 11, 1864. Amos Abbott, arm, D 

John Frank, hand, E. Ludovico Bowles, D. 

Hugh Murphy, leg, E. Merritt B. Heath, D. 

A. Brutus Heig(R.), D. 

On May 12. 1864. William Jackson, D. 

Capt. George W. Burchell, B. Christopher Mayhew (R.), D. 

Sergt. Robert Gibbons, arm, B. John Stangc, D. 

" Shep. L. Howard, hand, D. Cornelius Crimmins, E. 

Corp. Roswell L. Root, C. William R. Shier, F. 

" Walter Morley, D. Joseph Jamieson (R.), F. 

Charles Fellrath, leg, A. Daniel Donahue (R.), !• 

The following casualties occurred near Spottsylvania Court House: 

May 13. James F. Clegg, wounded in shoulder, H. 
May 14. First Lieutenant Michael Dempsey, wounded, A. 
May 17. Sergt. Arthur G. Lynch, leg amputated and died, B. 
There were no casualties at the Salient, in the regiment. The enemy fired over 
the heads of our men, or in another direction. 

Sum/nary: — Died on the battle-field, 24; wounded, 41 ; total, 65. 



INCIDENTS — RECRUITS — MARCH TO NORTH ANNA. 

This is but a tale of blood. Within two weeks after the regiment 
started on this campaign, its fighting force had been reduced from 320 
to 149, from battle casualties. The beautiful flag which the people of 
Detroit presented to it three weeks before, was now tattered and 
riddled with bullets. One of the new color guard had been killed 
and three wounded. 

Just before the regiment started from near Culpepper upon this 
campaign, the men discussed their chances in the battles which they 
knew were before them. Two comrades, Arthur G. Lynch and John 
M. Reed, of B, declared they would rather be killed than to lose a 
leg and have to hobble around for life. Laughingly, each agreed to 
kill the other, should he lose a leg. Both of them, within two weeks, 
had been in battle, both were wounded, both lost a leg, and both were 
dead ! 

On May 19, the regimental band returned and was disbanded the 
next day, the members returning to their companies. May 20 was 
occupied by the regiment in building a strong abatis in their front. 

Though there was some cannonading at intervals, as well as one 
or two unsuccessful attacks of the enemy. The week following the 
fighting about Spottsylvania was comparatively quiet, affording 
opportunity for burying the dead and removing the wounded to 
hospitals. The houses and streets of Fredericksburg were but a vast 



248 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

hospital for Union wounded, and all the way from the murmuring rills 
in the Wilderness could be seen, here and there, freshly heaped piles 
of earth where soldiers were resting from all strife. 

At the same time, the losses in Grant's army were made good by 
25,000 veteran recruits and 30,000 "hundred day" men. The 
fortifications around Washington were stripped of troops who had for 
two years done nothing but garrison duty. These were sent to the 
front and Invalid Corps men put in their places. Thus strengthened, 
Grant resumed his "left flank movement." Lee, divining the next 
move, took up his line of march for the North Anna, twenty-three miles 
distant, and went into some intrenchments previously constructed 
on the south side of the river. The rival armies moved southward 
by parallel roads without annoying each other. The country was 
fertile and beautiful, abounding in rich plantations free heretofore 
from the ravages of war. The houses were grandly surrounded with 
ancestral elms dating far back into colonial days. 

Saturday, May 21. At i o'clock p. M. the regiment with the 
Iron Brigade moved out of its works in froift of Spottsylvania Court 
House, crossed the Ny and took a south-easterly course down the 
north side of that stream some distance and then across to Guinea's 
Station on the Fredericksburg & Richmond Railroad; thence south 
on the track one mile; then west about a mile where they bivouacked. 

Sunday, May 22. Moving with the Iron Brigade at 4 A. M. while 
the rest of the Corps was sleeping, the Twenty-fourth crossed the 
river at Guinea's Bridge below the junction of the Po and Ny, and 
marched three miles due west to Madison's Store on the road from 
Spottsylvania, arriving there about four hours after the enemy had 
passed, and threw up earthworks across the road at i P. M. During 
their construction, Grant, Meade and several other Generals came up. 
Here the Iron Brigade remained as guard until the Fifth Corps, led 
by the Sixteenth Michigan, passed with its trains. The Brigade then 
followed in the rear, moving west by Madison's Ordinary to the 
Telegraph Road; thence across the Ta at Thornburg and on south to 
Nancy Wright's; thence east towards Milford Bridge on the 
Mattapony, some distance and halted at sunset for the night, at 
Bethel Church, near the Mattapony River. Early the next morning, 
the Twenty-fourth under Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Wight started 
westerly and soon struck the Telegraph Road and followed it below 
Bethany Church, then turned back as it was on the wrong road, and 
took a road southeast from the church, leading to Jericho Mills on 




^ . J5t»»-*-K.«e max/ Qj/j lilaif. 



KOUTE OF IRON BRIGADE FROM SPOTTSYLVANIA TO NORTH ANNA. 



250 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

the North Anna, the Iron Brigade arriving there only one hour behind 
the enemy. On the way an old darkie told them : " De udder fellows 
right ahead of you — you'll catch up wid 'em." 

BATTLE OF NORTH ANNA. 

The banks of the North Anna are very precipitous here and the 
bed rocky, very high bluffs skirting the south shore. Bartlett's 
Brigade at the head of Warren's Corps boldly waded the stream, 
armpit deep, and covered the construction of the pontoon bridge. 
About 4 P. M., of May 23, the divisions of Cutler and Crawford and 
the balance of Griffin's crossed the river to the south side. After the 
Iron Brigade crossed the stream, they wound up the steep bank and 
formed on a plateau of cleared fields about a mile square. There were 
woods on the west and south and the river wound about the north and 
east of the field. Halting a short distance from the river the men 
stacked arms and commenced preparations for supper. Down in the 
southwest corner of the woods, some troops were observed moving 
about and were at first supposed to be our own men, but the error 
was soon discovered by the commanding officer, and the Division 
ordered to fall in at once. • 

They moved before the men had time to drink their coffee or eat 
their hardtack. Some of the men carried their coffee pails on sticks, 
others carried frying pans containing their partly cooked pork, just as 
they had snatched them from the fire. The line of march was towards 
the southwest corner of the woods. Crawford had formed his Division 
with its left resting on the river — and Griffin next. These two 
Divisions had advanced a short distance in the woods and halted, 
when Cutler was ordered to form his Division on the right of Griffin, 
continuing the line in a westerly direction. 

The Iron Brigade led the advance of the Division and when the 
left had passed Griffin's right, line of battle was formed and the Iron 
Brigade pushed into the woods about two rods when they were halted 
to allow the balance of the Division to form on the right. In the 
formation of the Brigade, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin were on 
the left, the Twenty-fourth Michigan in the centre and the rest on the 
right. Before the balance of the Division could be put in position the 
enemy attacked both the front and flank of the Iron Brigade. 

This sudden onset of the enemy on the flank of the Brigade broke 
the right and compelled it to fall back in some disorder, hotly pursued 
by the enemy. At the time of the attack Bragg's Brigade was passing 



grant's campaign — 1864. 251 

in the rear of the Iron Brigade to take position further to the right, 
but on the recoil of the Brigade, Bragg's and the balance of the 
Division went to the rear. 

Suddenly from the left came a rifled battery of four guns, followed 
by another battery a short distance in the rear. The first one swung 
into position and opened fire on the enemy that had flanked the 
Brigade and were now in the open field not six hundred feet away. 
The second battery opened on the enem.y in the woods farther to the 
left. At this juncture, Captain Wood, the Assistant Adjutant-General 
of the Iron Brigade, together with Captain W. R. Dodsley, 
Lieutenants E. B. Welton and George A. Ross, Sergeants C. H. Chope 
and Robert E. Bolger of the Twenty-fourth Michigan rallied about 
fifty men of the Iron Brigade, mostly of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, 
and forming on the right of the battery, assisted in 'driving back 
the enemy from the field in as much disorder as they had driven 
Cutler's Division a few moments before. The other two Divisions had 
been attacked at the same time as Cutler's, but held their ground, and 
after a sharp contest, the enemy were repulsed all along the line. 
About 1,000 of the enemy were made prisoners. Lieutenant-Colonel 
W. W. Wight was in command of the Twenty-fourth Michigan dur- 
ing this fight, and conducted himself with his usual gallantry. 

The prisoners captured on the right declared that the rapid 
retreat of the Iron Brigade was a "Yankee" trick to draw them under 
the fire of our batteries. During this campaign it seemed to be the 
misfortune or hard luck of the Iron Brigade never to have its flanks 
properly protected. In this case, the right flank was " in air." There 
were not even skirmishers on the flank to give warning of the near 
approach of the enemy. 

General Meade issued an order complimenting the troops engaged 
in the repulse of the enemy. After the failure of the enemy to drive 
our men into the river as they expected, the Union lines were 
reformed in about the same position as before the attack and strongly 
intrenched before night. 

On Tuesday morning. May 24, the Iron Brigade moved out 
towards the Virginia Central Railroad near Noel's Station and built 
new works. During the afternoon numerous prisoners from the enemy 
came into camp. On Wednesday morning, the 25th, the Iron Brigade 
left its new works at 4 o'clock and moved back to its Division which 
moved down the south bank of the North Anna, halted and formed in 
line on the center. After driving the enemy's skirmishers back half a 



252 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



mile to their works, the Division built a good line of works in the 
woods and rested for the night. On Thursday morning, May 26, 
breakfast and spades came before daylight. A heavy rainstorm came 
up which lasted all day, driving the men from their works, in which 
the water was knee deep. Excessive firing was kept up all the time 
by the enemy. During the day a woman was captured dressed as a 
Confederate soldier. 

The Army of the Potomac was now in great peril. Its wings 
were separated by the enemy on one side of a stream difficult to cross, 
and liable to a sudden increase by rains. The enemy's flank^ were 
thrown back to allow such a Union position, while his centei!? 
powerfully menaced Grant's center on the opposite side of the stream. 
It was a grand opportunity for Lee, being on the inner lines, first to 
strike one of the Union flanks and then assail the other. But Grant at 
once resolved to get his army out of this perilous position, and at dark 
re-crossed his forces to the north side of the North Anna, earth 
having been spread over the pontoons to prevent discovery by the 
enemy. 

There had been fighting by the other Corps but the scope of our 
work forbids a recital of every field movement. The following were 
the losses of the Twenty-fourth Michigan at the battle of North Anna 
(or Jericho Ford) from May 23 to 26, 1864: 



KILLED. 

Elisha Wheeler, of B, on May 23. 

On May 23, 
Richard Ladore, B. 
Calvin Maxfield, C. 
Wm. A. Ringgold (R) E. 
John J. Larkins, H. 



MORTALLY WOUNDED : 

Corporal Evan B. McClure, of K, May 23. 

WOUNDED. 

Mathew Myers, H. 

On May 25. 
Corporal John Moody, arm amputated, D. 
Aldrich Townsend, D. 
Charles E. Jenner, F. 



On May 23. 
Corporal Frederick Woods, E. 
Robert Gaunt, E. 



CAPTURED. 



Sergeant Richard A. Riley, H. 
Corporal Marshall Bills, H. 



Sununary : — Killed and died of wounds, 2; wounded, 8; prisoners, 4. Total, 14. 



FIGHTING AT TOLOPOTOMOY (FIELD OF COLD HARBOR). 

Grant's withdrawal across the North Anna, secretly begun on the 
night of May 26, was successfully accomplished and his army was 
headed eastward and southward to cross the Pamunky which is 
formed by the confluence of the North and South Anna. His new 



grant's campaign — 1864. 253 

turning movement was met by a corresponding retrograde movement 
by Lee, who, not having half the distance to march, had his army 
well intrenched on the south side of that stream before Grant's arrival. 

After re-crossing the North Anna, Thursday night, the Twenty- 
fourth with the Iron Brigade found itself at daylight near Bethany 
Church after an all night's march. On Friday the 27th, rations were 
issued before daylight and the column started south-eastward for 
Hanover Town, distant 33 miles. Showers had laid the dust and the 
marching was good. After a march of twenty miles, a halt was made 
for the night at Magnolia Church. On Saturday the 28th, the Iron 
Brigade moved at 5 A. M. and crossed the Pamunky on pontoons at 
Dabney's Ferry, before midday, and moving forward to Hanover 
Town about a mile, threw up breastworks which they occupied during 
the passage of the river by the army. The Twenty-fourth then 
moved in rear of the Sixteenth Michigan to let Battery B have its 
position. 

The Confederates had posted themselves south of the 
Tolopotomoy, a creek running nearly east and emptying into the 
Pamunky on its south side, two miles below Hanover Town. Each 
corps was ordered on Sunday morning. May 29, to make a 
reconnoissance in the front, Warren's Corps by the Shady Grove road. 
Grififin's Division led and soon found the enemy. Cutler's Division 
followed and then Crawford's. The enemy's infantry and skirmishers 
fell back, Griffin's following them until they entered a thickly wooded, 
swampy ground formed by several affluents of the Tolopotomoy 
which here crossed the road. Opposite this swampy ravine was 
Huntley's Corners, occupied by the enemy who made an attack upon 
Griffin's Division, which was repulsed. To support Griffin, the Iron 
Brigade was marched, by Hawes' store, about three miles, part of the 
way on the "double-quick." It was stationed on the right of that 
Division and threw up slight earthworks. Here it bivouacked all 
night in line of battle near the grave of Patrick Henry. 

BATTLES OF BETHESDA CHURCH AND COLD HARBOR. 

During the afternoon of Monday, May 30, General Early 
(Confederate) moved his forces out on Old Church Pike to Bethesda 
Church across Warren's left. Crawford's Division was sent to look 
after them and Cutler's Division (in which was the Iron Brigade) 
moved up to the support of Griffin. The Iron Brigade moved two 
miles to the front and constructed earthworks under a heavy shell fire 



254 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



from the enemy's batteries. Rhode's Division of Early's Corps 
moved up to attack them, but Battery B (Captain Stewart) moved 
out and kept them at bay till Crawford was fully in line on the left of 
Cutler. Just before dark, Ewell's forces made a resolute attack upon 
the entire Fifth Corps but was repulsed with a loss of many prisoners, 
and several high officers killed. At night the enemy retired leaving 
his dead and wounded on the field. After the fight the Iron Brigade 
built a strong line of works in less than half an hour. 




ROUTE OF IRON BRIGADE TO BETHESDA CHURCH AND COLD HARBOR. 



grant's campaign — 1864. 255 

Tuesday, May 31, was spent in burying the dead and bringing in 
the enemy's wounded. Just before sundown, the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan, under Major A. M. Edwards, was detailed for picket in 
front of the Division, the line being formed after considerable 
difficulty, by reason of the density of the forest and thick underbrush. 
During the night sharp firing was indulged in at times by the pickets 
on both sides. 

By another flank movement Grant planned to force a passage of 
the Chickahominy near Cold Harbor, and this night moved the Sixth 
Corps (Wright's) around to the left. Some parts of the Tenth and 
Eighteenth Corps had come up from the James River to help our 
army. They were commanded by General Smith. 

On Wednesday morning, June i, Lee having learned of this 
movement withdrew Longstreet on his left who secured a good 
position behind Cold Harbor. His withdrawal was discovered by 
Meade who sent Cutler's Division and another forward to attack him 
about 10 o'clock A. M. They moved forward and drove the enemy 
beyond the Mechanicsville Road. The supporting Division being 
delayed by the wooded swamps of the Tolopotomoy and Matadequin 
streams, Cutler's Division halted and fortified. The enemy shelled 
very hard and attempted to drive our forces away but failed. The 
Twenty-fourth Michigan was deployed on the skirmish line in front of 
Cutler. It advanced and drove the enemy's skirmishers back out of 
the woods and into their rifle pits but a short distance in front of their 
earthworks, and established a skirmish line in a piece of woods not 
forty rods from their works. The enemy's earthworks were already 
built for them, and all they had to do was to march in and occupy 
them. The regiment witnessed from this point the movement of 
large numbers of Lee's troops from his left to his right, to oppose the 
advance of our troops on our left. 

The enemy tried to drive back the Twenty-fourth a number of 
times during the day, but failed. Then they tried what good their 
artillery would do, but that failed. Each man of the regiment Avas 
protected by a stout tree from which he kept up an incessant fire on 
the enemy. They forced back our skirmishers on the right and left 
but did not move the Twenty-fourth. Late in the afternoon when 
Major Edwards was told that the men were out of cartridges, he called 
out, "Then we will hold these woods at the point of the bayonet." 

About 10 o'clock at night the Twenty-fourth was ordered in and 
found a new skirmish line had been formed a long distance in our 
rear. It found the Division about a mile in the rear of the advanced 

(17) 



256 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

position they had occupied during the day. It joined its Brigade and 
a short time afterwards the Division moved forward more to the left 
of the point which the Twenty-fourth had held. It formed a line of 
battle and advanced to within a few rods of the edge of the woods and 
about three hundred yards from the enemy's line of earthworks, on 
the other side of the field where the line was established and a good 
line of works built by daylight of the 2d of June. On the left, during 
the afternoon of the ist, there was hard fighting which resulted in 
our forces securing a firm grasp upon Cold Harbor. 

The next morning, June 2, the Iron Brigade and its Division 
strongly intrenched its new line, south of the Mechanicsville road in 
the vicinity of Bethesda Church. In the afternoon, Burnside began 
to move to the left and the enemy fiercely attacked him, taking some 
prisoners. Then they struck Warren's flank and turned back Grif^n's 
Division somewhat, capturing four hundred men. During the night 
the national forces were arranged in the following order from Bethesda 
Church past Cold Harbor to Elder Swamp Creek running into the 
Chickahominy. On the right, Warren ; then the corps of Smith, 
Wright and Hancock. The rear of the left up to the Tolopotomoy 
was protected by Burnside. Lee's position in front of Hancock was 
naturally strong and well intrenched throughout, with open ground 
along his front. 

The attack was ordered by Grant to follow the signal gun at 4.30 
on the morning of Friday, June 3. A few minutes later the advance 
of the Federals to the attack was begun and immediately followed the 
bloodiest engagement of the war for a short time. In less than 
twenty minutes to,ooo Union men lay dead and wounded on the field, 
while the Confederates, sheltered by their works, had lost not more 
than 1,000. It was emphatically "short, sharp and decisive." 
Warren's Corps was too extended over a three mile front to do more 
than hold his line intact. Some successes attended parts of our line, 
but they were altogether overbalanced by the general repulse. There 
was a deep consciousness in every soldier that further attacks would 
be useless. General Grant confessed in his memoirs, that this was a 
charge he wished he had not ordered. He certainly fought at a 
disadvantage and it confirmed the wisdom of his flank movement plan. 
It is to be regretted that he did not resort to another such movement 
before this fatal charge. Some hours later, Meade ordered each Corps 
to move at its option to another attack without regard to the other 
Corps, but the order was suspended upon a dispatch from Grant that 
the Corps commanders were not sanguine of success. This was about 



A 



grant's campaign — 1864. 257 

I o'clock p. Ri. and soon after, the enemy attacked the Union forces, 
and again at dark, but were repulsed each time. The battle was now 
ended each side holding its position firmly and neither being able to 
drive the other out. 

The following were the losses of the Twenty-fourth Michigan in 
these battles: 

KILLED: WOUNDED JUNE I: 

May 30. William Funke, (Battery) D. Patrick Fury, E. 

Junes. William Dusick, A. Lewis Hartman ( R. ), E. 

William Scerle, G. Nicholas Harming (R), E. 

June 4. Jacob Eisele, H. Peter Ford, leg, F. 

MORTALLY WOUNDED, JUNE 3: Mark Hearn, body, I. 

Stephen Jackson ( R. ), A. Jonathan Jamieson, K. 
Frank Tscham ( R. ), B. 

^ ,., .. ,. , WOUNDED ll'NE 3: 

George W. Velie, ( R. ), C. "^ 

Ignace Haltar, A. 

WOUNDED, JUNE I: Corp. James R. Lewis, G. 

Frank Picaud, hand, A. Charles F. Allyn, twice, G. 

Sergt. Andrew Strong, arm, D. Amos Arnold ( R. ), }I. 

Sergeant Samuel F. Smith, wounded June 2, in both legs, K. 

Summaty :— Killed and died of wounds, 7; wounded, 13. Total, 20. 

BURYING THE DEAD — SHARPSHOOTERS — FORWARD AGAIN. 

The week after the last battle was occupied by the two armies 
watching each other in very close proximity. It was dangerous and 
difficult to establish the picket lines. The enemy made occasional 
attacks but were repulsed each time. The Union dead and wounded 
lay between the lines and on the 5th of June, General Grant proposed 
an armistice for burying the dead and removing the wounded between 
the two armies, but General Lee refused such an arrangement until 
the 7th, by which time most of the wounded were dead. 

The enemy's sharpshooters were possessed of superior arms with 
which they covered every portion of our lines. Not a man could 
expose his person above the earthworks without a dozen bullets 
"zipping" at him from the watchful foe. To obtain an estimate of 
clothing, it was necessary to go to the front amid incessant skirmish 
firing. Lying in trenches, behind stumps and trees, the men crouched, 
w^hile the messenger must dodge from tree to tree and stump, crawl on 
hands and knees or roll even amid leaden death. As Sergeant Eaton 
was getting some requisitions signed by Major Edwards, a solid shot 
buried itself in the tree at the foot of which they were sitting. On 
June 3, two men in the Twenty-fourth were killed by the enemy's 
sharpshooters. One William Dusick, had gone out a few feet in front 



258 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

of the breastworks and just as he turned to come in, he was shot in 
the back and fell dead. There his body lay till nightfall, it being 
certain death to go for it before dark. The place was a veritable 
" Hell's Half Acre" as the boys called it. 

At 9 o'clock on Sunday night, June 5, the Iron Brigade with its 
Corps began to withdraw to the left, and after an all night's march 
arrived at Cold Harbor at 4 o'clock in the morning. Here the 
baggage wagons came up for the first time in a month and some of 
the officers obtained a much needed change of clothing. On the 
movement of the Corps to the left, Major Edwards of the 
Twenty-fourth was left in command of the Division skirmishers. He 
was told that he would be ordered in before daylight, but the order 
to withdraw his men was not received by him until long after daylight. 
However, he withdrew his men without the loss of a man, though, as 
soon as they rose from the rifle pits they were exposed to the fire of 
the enemy's sharpshooters. A part of the enemy's skirmishers were 
in the earthworks before the detail of the Iron Brigade was three 
hundred feet away. 

On Tuesday, the 7th, the Corps moved towards the left at 4 P. M. 
and continued the march to within a mile of Despatch Station on the 
York Railroad near the Chickahominy River. The next day a heavy 
picket detail was sent out from the Twenty-fourth for duty on the 
river. The enemy's pickets were very friendly. There was no firing 
on either side and many came over to trade tobacco for coffee. 

On June 5, Adjutant Chilson was permanently detailed as Aide on 
General Cutler's staff at Division headquarters and Lieutenant E. B. 
Welton became acting Adjutant. On the 7th, Colonel Bragg 
of the Sixth Wisconsin took command of the Iron Brigade. 
Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Wight having resigned, Major A. M. 
Edwards assumed command of the Twenty-fourth. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Wight had served long since he was scarcely able to endure 
the hardships of the field and he had to yield to poor health. He 
had with gallant coolness discharged every duty that devolved upon 
him. Only 125 men and five officers of the regiment were at this time 
present for duty, about forty being on detached service. The rest 
were absent from wounds and sickness or lay among the dead. 

On June 10, Major Edwards divided the regiment into four 
companies for field duty, commanded as follows: (i) Lieutenant 
Dempsey. (2) Captain Hutchinson. (3) Captain Dodsley. (4) 
Captain Burchell. 



grant's campaign — 1864. 



259 



QUININE AND WHISKEY RATIONS — MARCH TO PETERSBURG. 

During the past week the daily skirmishes were often sharp in 
front of some divisions. At night there was heavy artillery firing and 
often musketry. The labor of strengthening the intrenchments had 
been arduous. There was no water for the men in the trenches 
except of the worst kind. What with exposure to the heat of day and 
little sleep ; the rudest facilities for cooking ; no vegetables for over 
a month, and beef from cattle exhausted by long marches and scanty 
forage; the effluvia from dead horses and mules, and ofTal scattered 
along the line of march as well as the unburied dead of both armies, 
while remaining near the field of carnage; and the general malaria 




ROUTE OF IRON BRIGADE FROM DKSPATCH STATION TO PETERSUrRO. 



26o HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

incident to the low and marshy Chickahominy region, the wonder is 
that the whole army was not prostrated by causes more potent than 
fighting the foe. To counteract these unhealthful conditions rations 
of quinine and whiskey were issued to the men. 

Having failed in the destruction of Lee's army by capture or 
dispersion, Grant resolved to transfer his army to the south of James 
River and interpose it between Richmond and the region from which 
that city and the Confederate army received its supplies. This 
movement began on Sunday, June 12. After a week of rest from 
fighting, the Iron Brigade with its Corps left camp at 9 o'clock that 
evening. It crossed the railroad near Despatch Station, marched 
several miles and bivouacked. At daylight of the 13th, the Iron 
Brigade leading the Fifth Corps, moved on. Crossing the 
Chickahominy at Long Bridge, it took the White Oak Swamp road 
towards Richmond as if pushing for that place. Lee withdrew his 
forces within the fortifications of the Confederate capital. After a 
march of two miles, the Brigade halted till 4 o'clock P. M. It then 
returned to Long Bridge where it waited till an hour and a half after 
all the other troops had passed, and at 8 o'clock followed as rear guard. 
At midnight it went into camp near St. Mary's Church. 

On Tuesday morning, June 14, cofTee was made about daylight 
and the column soon after started. Marching by a very crooked road 
via Salem Church and Westover Church, it reached Charles City 
Court House at ii A. M., and passed on to near Wilcox's Landing on 
the James River, after a weary march of forty miles. The 
Twenty-fourth Michigan went into camp in a large field of oats on the 
plantation of ex-President John Tyler. After resting a day, the men 
.were aroused early and were ready to move at sunrise on the i6th. 
They were marched down to the banks of the James River near 
Wilcox's Landing, and at 10 o'clock crossed the river on transports. 
They lay in the sun near the river till 5 P. M., when the line of march 
was resumed through Prince George Court House, halting at midnight 
before Petersburg. The rest of the army was also well on the south 
side of the James and taking positions around the latter city. 

BATTLE OF PETERSBURG. 

Petersburg is situated 22 miles south of Richmond and several 
railroads centering there from the South became feeders for the 
Confederate army and capital. It was coveted by both armies and 
when the Union army began to cross the James, Lee hastened his 
forces to occupy it. 



grant's campaign — 1864. 



261 



Friday morning, June 17, the Iron Brigade threw up breastworks 
in front of the enemy, but the Twenty-fourth Michigan was sent 
out on picket early in the morning on the left of the Division. They 
had been out but a short time when they were withdrawn and 
deployed as skirmishers in front of the Iron Brigade farther to the 



Z— Llvvvj. o^ Cow^«tt.c\.-a.tfe .rocK. 




POSITION OP IRON BRIGADE IN BATTLE OP PETERSB/'Ra, JUNE 18, 1864. 

right. The left of the skirmish line rested on the Suffolk and 
Petersburg Railroad, three miles from Petersburg. The regiment, 
under Captain Burchell, after being deployed in a ravine that ran in 
front of the Brigade, received orders from a Brigade staff officer, to 
advance and relieve the skirmishers of a Pennsylvania regiment that 
were said to be out in front. When the order to advance was eiven, 
the men of the Twenty-fourth sprang forward with a will to relieve 



262 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN, 

our troops in front. None were found, but that did not stop the rush 
of the hne as they went on until they drove the enemy out of his rifle 
pits not a hundred yards from his earthworks, and occupied and held 
them all the day until relieved about 9 o'clock at night. During the 
day the Second and Ninth Corps and Crawford's Division of the 
Fifth Corps (Warren's), charged the enemy's works which were 
penetrated some distance but not held, the only result being to 
establish a line nearer his works. After the assault, the enemy 
abandoned his outer temporary line for a more formable one nearer 
Petersburg. Believing that most of Lee's army had not yet come up 
from Richmond, Grant ordered a general assault on the enemy's 
works about Petersburg for the next morning. 

At sunrise on Saturday morning, June 18, the Iron Brigade was 
formed in line of battle on the extreme left of the Army of the 
Potomac. The Seventh Wisconsin was on the right, the Sixth 
Wisconsin on the left, and the Twenty-fourth Michigan, Seventh and 
Nineteenth Indiana in the center. They advanced across the Norfolk 
Railroad through three lines of Confederate works and forced the 
enemy's skirmishers to their earthworks, a mile from Petersburg, when 
the skirmishers were called in as the other Corps were not all moving 
forward simultaneously. The Iron Brigade with the Fifth Corps 
made a halt until the general assault of mid-afternoon, when all the 
Corps advanced. 

The Fifth Corps had over a mile to advance, and a deep ravine 
and intricate cut of the Norfolk Railroad interposed between it and 
the enemy's lines. This cut was deep and difficult to cross and Avas 
held by the enemy at its northern end. Its direction curved so as to 
hinder the advance of a line of battle. To the Fifth Corps was 
assigned the duty of clearing out the enemy from this cut, as a 
preliminary to the general attack. Its ground being thus difficult and 
chiefly in open field, was exposed to the enemy's artillery for a long 
distance. (See map on preceding page.) 

Cutler's Division was formed for the charge in column by 
Brigades — the Iron Brigade in the second line. The formation of 
the column was made under cover of the woods and behind a slight 
hill midway between the woods and the enemy's works 500 yards 
away, over the fields without any protection from the enemy's fire, 
after exposing themselves on the hill. The order to advance was 
given and the men moved forward to the work assigned them, with a 
dash that would have been a victory, had not the order been given 
when the Brigade was under as deadly and withering a fire of artillery 



grant's campaign — 1864. 263 

and musketry as it ever encountered, to move by the right flank so as 
to bring them directly in rear of the first line, as General Cutler 
thought it would make the charging column stronger. 

When the order to advance again was given, but a part of the 
Brigade obeyed the command — the balance falling back under cover 
of the hill. What few did obey advanced to a position within pistol 
shot of the enemy. Some of the men of the Twenty-fourth fell close 
up under the Confederate works. The men of the Division, finding 
themselves unable to carry the enemy's position, sought shelter in a 
ravine but a short distance from the works they had tried to carry, 
where most of them remained until after dark when they were all 
withdrawn and reformed under cover of the hill they had charged over 
during the afternoon. 

Shortly afterwards, the Iron Brigade was sent down into the 
ravine to try to carry the enemy's works from that point, but 
General Bragg deciding that it was impossible to do so, withdrew the 
Brigade to its position on the hill where the Division soon had a good 
line of works completed not three hundred yards from the enemy. 

The attack of each Corps was a terrible Union disaster, and there 
was a general repulse along the whole line with a loss of several 
thousand men. The only success or advantage was to gain positions 
very near the lines of the enemy which were intrenched, and the lines 
of the two armies remained about the same till the close of the war. 
During the next few days, there were some spirited skirmishes and 
sharp picket firing, by moonlight as well as by day, but no general 
attack. On the 19th, Major Hutchinson was wounded within fifteen 
minutes after his return from hospital, while drinking a cup of coffee 
with Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards. 

The following were the losses of the Twenty-fourth Michigan in 
the battle of Petersburg and the few days following: 

KILLED JUNE l8, 1864: WOUNDED, JUNE 17. 

Adjutant Seril Chilson, Aide. Corp. Anthony Bondie, thigh, F. 

Sergeant William Maiers, G. Jeremiah Sullivan, G. 

Corporal Orville C. Simonson, G. Charles Bills, scalp, H. 

Richard Downing, D. Edward L. Farrell, leg, H. 



John B. Beyette (R), F. 
John B. Cicotte, (R), F. 
Timothy O. Webster, F 



wounded, JUNE 18. 

Capt. George W. Burchell, B. 
1st Lieut. Michael Dempsey, A. 
mortally wounded, JUNE 18: Sergt. Frederick A. Hanstine, A. 



Ezra E. Derby, C. " John J. Duryea, B. 

Elisha C. Reed, F. " Thomas Stackpole, E. 

Nathaniel J. Moon, H. " Ferd. E. Welton, H. 

Theodore B. Thomas, I. Corp. Barnard Parish, A. 



264 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Corp. Amos B. Cooley, groin, F. 

" Orville W. Stringer, I. 
Joseph Aff halter (R.), A. 
Henry Hanstine, thigh, A. 

WOUNDED, JUNE 18. 
John Parish, (R.), A. 
Stephen Prairie, A. 
Ferdinand Stark (R.), A. 
Joseph E. McConnell (R.) leg amp., B. 
Robert Towers, arm, C. 
William Kells, C. 
Ralph G. Terry, C. 
William Bigsley (R.), D. 
Andrew J. Bucklin (R.), F. 
Charles B Cicotte (R.), F. 
Oliver Dubey (R.), F. 
Bozile Vallade (R.), F. 



William Vandervoorts, I. 

Gurdon L. Wight, leg amputated, K. 

WOUNDED, JUNE I9. 

Major William B. Hutchinson. 

WOUNDED, JUNE 20. 

Herman Krumbach (R.), F. 
WOUNDED, JUNE 21. 

1st Lieut. George H. Pinkney, K. 
Sergt. Charles H. Chope, neck, G. 
Charles D. Minckler, leg, B. 
Thomas Robinson (R.), F. 
Michael Brabeau, head, G. 
WOUNDED, JUNE 23. 
Anselm Ball (R), I. 

WOUNDED, JUNE 29. 

James Murphy, A. 



Summary: — Killed and died of wounds, 11; wounded, 38. Total, 49. 



DEATH OF ADJUTANT CHILSON. — PERSONAL REMINISCENCE. 

In the Petersburg battle, the Twenty-fourth Michigan lost one of 
its bravest and most promising young ofifiicers — Adjutant Seril Chilson 
who was killed while serving on General Cutler's staff. The fatal 
ball severed the jugular vein and came out near the eye. He fell 
forward on his horse which bore him back to his lines and which 
became drenched with his blood. Chaplain Way thus wrote of the 
sad event at the time: 

All mourn his loss, but our mourning is not without hope. During the latter 
part of the winter he felt the justice of God's claim upon his affections and for 
.some time before breaking camp he fully consecrated his heart to God. In conver- 
sation three days before his death he gave the happy assurance that all was well, and 
said that if he fell in battle it would only be to exchange this for a better state of ex- 
istence. He freely gave himself to his country and God took him home. 

Recording this incident recalls sad reminiscences. This noble 
young officer and the writer of these pages had been friends in youth, 
as students and teachers. Each had enlisted in the same company, 
unbeknown to the other until they met at Camp Barns. Neither 
joined in the scramble for positions and received none. On mustering 
day, our young comrade was too weak to stand to be sworn in without 
leaning upon the support of his friend. Captain Speed of their 
company, whom neither knew before coming into camp, after the 
muster, assured both of his regret that no non-commissioned positions 
were left unfilled, but their promotion should follow their soldierly 



grant's campaign — 1864. 



265 



merits when vacancies occurred. Such words inspired both with a 
friendly rivalry for advancement. The day of battle came and found 
one sick with pneumonia at Brooks' Station, Virginia, sixteen miles 
from the field of Fredericksburg. Knowing that absence from the 
ranks in the engagement might be misconstrued and result in being 
outranked by others in the promotion list, he hastened from a sick 
bed to find his own regiment, and failing to do this became mingled 
with another in the battle and came out both maimed for life and all 
chances for promotion forever gone. His comrade on that battleday 
won promotion on the field by volunteering to help man a battery 
and establish a dangerous picket line. In due time his reward came 
as Adjutant of the Twenty-fourth Michigan. While under twenty years 
of age, and having won an honorable record, he was cut down in the 
harvest of death, on the threshold of early manhood — a martyr to his 
country. Farewell, friend of our youth ! May his comrades revere 
his memory as they pass his grave on the banks of the Huron. 




OUR WOUNDED BURNING UP IN THE WILDERNESS. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Siege of Petersburg -1864 



PROGRESS OF THE CAMPAIGN — BROOKS EXPEDITION. 

^T* ESS THAN two months had passed when this campaign 
I g against Richmond had cost the Union army over 65,000 men 

j/t/g in killed, wounded and missing, or more than the entire 
number in Lee's army during this period. This disparity 
resulted largely, as noted in the last chapter, from the Confederates 
fighting behind intrenchments, while the Union troops were the 
assaulting party against whom the hazards of battle are usually 
greatest. Witness Lee at Malvern Hill, Gettysburg and the Bloody 
Angle at Spottsylvania ; Burnside at Fredericksburg, and Grant at 
Laurel Hill and Cold Harbor, not to mention examples in the wars of 
history. 

The nation and world stood aghast at this deluge of blood. Gold, 
to some extent the barometer of national success or failure, reached 
its highest quotation, while criticism of the General of the age was 
shared not alone by those whose wishes were manifested by their oft 
lamenting expression, '^ If Lee only had the meny 

But these sacrifices were required to save this nation. While 
ability managed the southern army, the statesmen of the South (if it 
had any) should have insisted, in the interests of humanity to their 
own people, that the war terminate after Gettysburg, Vicksburg and 
Port Hudson. But no, the "last ditch" must be reached, and their 
last man (their own persons excepted) must be sacrificed. Already 
"the cradle and the grave had been robbed" for recruits. Those 
loudest in the continuation of the war were not in it. Scarcely a man 
of the traitors who brought on this war and plunged the whole land 
into a sea of blood ever perished on the field. It is usually so. 

The military resources of the South had to be exhausted, its 
armies subdued, annihilated or captured. Every man rendered useless 
to fight, brought the rebellion so much nearer its close. Grant knew 
this. He knew his available resources and his reserves. He knew 

(266) 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG— 1864. 267 

that even at that late day, foreign recognition of the Confederacy 
was possible and probable, unless the suppression of the rebellion be 
accomplished without delay. This required a large outlay of blood for 
the restoration of national authority, and he possessed the cool, 
indomitable fortitude to pursue a course and tJie course to that end, 
leaving political matters to others. 

The terrible battles of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at 
Spottsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor and 
Petersburg, each embracing several days of carnage — all fought inside 
of six weeks — caused no greater bloodshed than an equal number of 
battles of the war fought by other generals and covering a period of 
many months. Something had been accomplished. The insurgent 
army had been greatly reduced and hemmed in about Richmond and 
Petersburg never to come out again except for a chase and capture. 

What is known as the Siege of Petersburg now began, having for 
one object an investment of the Eastern insurgent army in a firmer 
grasp, by a system of forts and intrenchments from which there was 
no escape, while General Sherman was exhausting the Western 
Confederates, without either Southern army receiving reinforcements 
from the other. And thus the close of this wicked, cruel and cause- 
less rebellion was apparent. 

After the Petersburg battle a company of thirty-two men from 
the regiments of the Iron Brigade, under Adjutant E. P. Brooks of 
the Sixth Wisconsin, was sent out to destroy some bridges at Roanoke 
on the Danville Railroad. The men were picked, well armed and 
mounted. On the morning of June 22, they found a Confederate 
ofificer at a house, "sick." They paroled him and rode on. At 
mid-afternoon the company halted at a farm house, dismounted and 
stacked arms for supper, without throwing out any guard. Soon after 
they were surprised by a demand from the paroled of^cer of the 
morning to surrender. He had gathered a lot of farmers who with 
shotguns went in pursuit. Deploying his squad over a hill so that 
only the heads of their horses and men could be seen, they appeared 
more numerous than they were. He demanded of the Brooks 
Company a surrender to his "superior force," which was complied 
with. All their horses, accoutrements and arms were taken from them 
and the whole command made prisoners of war. Five of this company 
belonged to the Twenty-fourth Michigan: Anthony Long, of A; 
Samuel W. Foster, of C; Shelden E. Crittenden, of F; George Martin, 
of G, and Corporal Frederick Bosardis, of L 



268 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



THE SIEGE. — PETERSBURG MINE. — PROMOTIONS. 

During the coming months of the siege, the intermitting blasts of 
battle and the ebb and flow tide of war h_eaved around Petersburg 
like ocean swells. Occasionally there was an hour of stillness, but 
usually the air was broken, night and day, by the sharp concussions of 
nearer guns and the boom, boom of more distant ones. 

During the next few weeks the Iron Brigade alternated with its 
fraternal Second Brigade in the rifle pits, about twice a week. When 
out of the trenches, the Twenty-fourth Michigan withdrew to the 
woods for a day or two of rest, glad of an opportunity to stand up 




SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA. 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG — 1 864. 269 

without getting a bullet through their heads. Monday, July 4, was 
remarkably quiet. Every few days a heavy detail was made when 
not in the rifle pits to work on the new forts and fortifications. On 
July 13, several of the fatigue party, while picking berries, were 
captured by the enemy, including Charles Martin, of G, of the 
Twenty-fourth. On Sunday, the i/th, several deserters came in and 
reported an intended attack that night on our lines. The Iron 
Brigade after dark moved out to near the front line, and in an hour 
had thrown up new works, but no enemy came, and at daylight they 
returned to camp. Tuesday, the 19th, was noted for the first rain fall 
in forty-three days. There had become a great dearth of surface 
water. While in camp good water was obtained by digging wells a 
few feet in depth. By reason of the rain, the Iron Brigade did not 
reheve the Second Brigade in the rifle pits that night, but did so at 9 
o'clock the next morning without disturbance from the enemy. On 
Sunday, the 24th, about six hundred from the Iron Brigade took up a 
railroad ti'ack and converted it into a wagon road. 

Under one of the strongest of the Confederate forts a mine had 
been constructed, consisting of eight magazines in which were placed 
8,000 pounds of powder. The magazines were connected with the 
Union lines 200 yards away by a tunnel four and a half feet high and 
the same in width. At 5 o'clock on the morning of July 30, the 
explosion occurred, when the fort, its guns and garrison of 300 men 
were blown up and annihilated. The explosion made an excavation 
in the ground two hundred feet long, fifty feet wide and thirty feet 
deep, and it was a signal for all the Union guns to open a heavy 
cannonade. A charge was made at the same time by the Ninth Corps 
troops, to capture a hill in the rear of the destroyed fort, which 
commanded the city of Petersburg, They went no further than the 
crater just formed, and a division of colored troops went forward to the 
charge of the hill. They pushed well up towards the crest but were 
twice repulsed and fled in confusion to the crater, where they and the 
Ninth were unmercifully slaughtered by the enemy. It was death to 
remain and death to try to escape. The Union loss was about 4,400 
men and the Confederate 1,000 — a most lamentable failure. In this 
affair the Iron Brigade occupied the first line of works and opened a 
musketry fire as the mine exploded within their view. During that 
night the Iron Brigade was relieved from the trenches. The Union 
dead and wounded were still lying between our lines and the ruined 
fort. The enemy refused a flag of truce for their relief. 



2/0 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

At 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon July 31, the Iron Brigade left 
camp for a new one on the left of the army, guarding its left flank and 
rear. The new camp was within 150 yards of a strong fort and a line 
of breastworks in front. Here the regiment enjoyed a much needed 
rest for two weeks, the location being a pleasant one. It was called 
"Camp Chilson " and was near the Suffolk and Norfolk Railroad. 

About this time several promotions occurred in the regiment. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Wight had resigned in June and now Major A. M. 
Edwards was promoted to Leiutenant-Colonel. He had commanded 
the regiment since the former left, Colonel Morrow still being absent 
because of his Wilderness wound. Captain Hutchinson became Major. 
First Lieutenants Connor and Haigh became Captains; Sergeant 
Lewis A. Chamberlin became First Lieutenant and Adjutant ; 
Quartermaster Sergeant Alonzo Eaton, Sergeant George W. Chilson 
and Corporal Albert Wilford became First Lieutenants. Captain John 
M. Farland resigned in July, 1864. The regiment was now but a 
remnant of its former proud array. But few of the original officers 
were left, most of the present ones having risen from the ranks. 
Numerous also were the promotions among the non-commissioned 
officers and privates. Surgeon Beech had charge of the Iron Brigade 
hospital and had nearly exhausted himself in amputation duties 
during the campaign from the Rapidan. Being a skillful surgeon his 
services were in great demand in the Division. Divine services which 
had been suspended during the marching and fighting, were again 
established by Chaplain Way. The regiment tarried here until 
Sunday August 14th, when it received orders to move. 

It halted on ground which Hancock's Corps left. Towards the 
middle of August this Corps (Second) had been sent north of the 
James River near Deep Bottom to attract the attention of Lee and 
get him to weaken his forces about Petersburg. This accomplished, 
Warren's Corps was moved around to the left to seize the Weldon 
Railroad and cut off one of the main feeders of the Confederate 
capital and army. The excessive fall of rain compelled a slight change 
of camping ground on the i6th. 

BATTLE ON THE WELDON ROAD. 

Thursday, August 18. At 4.30 A. M. the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
with the Iron Brigade moved with Warren's Corps out on the 
Jerusalem Plank Road and then about six miles off to the west to 
Yellow (or Globe) Tavern on the Weldon Railroad, and destroyed a 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG — 1 864. 27 1 

long piece of it. Warren left Griffin's Division to guard the point 
seized, and forming the rest of the Corps in an east and west line, 
advanced north towards Petersburg about a mile and halted when it 
found the enemy in front. About 1.30 r. M., when Warren attempted 
to advance, the enemy suddenly massed on his left and in the fight, 
the 5th Corps lost several hundred men, but Warren held the field and 
had possession of the coveted Weldon Railroad. The Iron Brigade 
was not actively engaged. The line advanced to the edge of a piece 
of woods and built earthworks. 

Friday, August 19, Lee was determined to regain the Railroad, 
so important to the Confederates, and during the night sent heavy 
reinforcements for that purpose. The Iron Brigade was deployed as 
skirmishers, its right extending from the right of the Fifth Corps to 
the left of the old line and covering a frontage of over a mile in 
length. The Twenty-fourth Michigan held the center and the entire 
line run through dense woods. About 3 o'clock r, M., the enemy massed 
a division on the right center of our line, made an attack and drove 
back the Nineteenth Indiana veteran volunteers on our right. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards immediately moved the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan by the right flank and covered the ground vacated by the 
Indiana troops. This new line was held for a few moments only, as 
there were no supports. But by holding the ground for that brief 
time, it saved a large portion of the Iron Brigade from capture. As 
it was, Mahone's Confederate Division struck the advance skirmish 
line of the Twenty-fourth Michigan and captured twenty-one of its 
men. They were not four rods in front of the regiment, but owing to 
the dense woods the enemy came upon them by surprise. 

Immediately there was great confusion as the enemy had nearly 
surrounded that part of our line, capturing the sharpshooters and part 
of the Seventh Indiana. Every man then took care of himself, and 
there was a lively foot race amid shower after shower of bullets, as 
the men had no desire to visit Georgia and other Southern prison 
pens. A volume might be written on the narrow and often laughable 
escapes of the men at this time. A couple of brigades of the Ninth 
Corps opportunely came up, enabling Warren to reform his lines and 
regain the lost ground, compelling the enemy to fall back to his 
intrenchments. At night there were but fifty-four men left in the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan besides the officers, and but one hundred and 
seventy men left in the Iron Brigade. 

Saturday, August 20. The Iron Brigade Headquarters were 
established near the Yellow or Globe Tavern, and during the day the 

(18) 



272 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



scattered men came in so that it had five hundred men and the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan seventy-six. At noon the Iron Brigade 
crossed the Railroad, formed a Hne and built strong earthworks 
running north and south. During the day the Seventh Wisconsin 
came up. Tliis regiment lost but very few men and held its ground 
out on the extreme right of the skirmish line. 




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BATTLE-GROUND ON WELDON RAILROAD, AUUUST 21, 1864. 



iiil 



Sunday, August 21. About 9 o'clock A. M. the enemy opened 
with thirty pieces of artillery, crossing their fire at right angles over 
the heads of Warren's troops. After an hour's diversion of this kind, 
they advanced to the attack on front and flank in three lines of battle 
and met with a most terrible reverse. Two of their lines were almost 
entirely killed or captured. In front of the Union earthworks was a 
cornfield, back of which were some woods from which the enemy 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG — 1 864. 



273 



charged in good style. They were allowed to come up pretty close, 
when a general rattle of musketry and artillery cut them in pieces. 
Some concealed themselves in a ditch near by, and it being death to 
advance or retreat, they dropped their guns and, waving their hats or 
anything they had in token of surrender, rushed pell-mell over the 
Union works as if Satan would get the last man. Our men took them 
by the hand in many instances and helped them over the works. At 
night the enemy fell back from our front, leaving his dead and 
wounded. 

This was the first time the Twenty-fourth Michigan had ever 
fought from behind breastworks. Frequently it had built them but 
came out in front to do its fighting. On this occasion they doubly 
welcomed the enemy's attack. The Iron Brigade captured nearly the 
whole of two Confederate regiments. The Twenty-fourth Michigan was 
credited with capturing twenty-six prisoners, including one Colonel, one 
Lieutenant-Colonel, one Major, five line ofificers and the flag of the 
Twelfth Mississippi. In this day's affair, but one man was wounded 
in the Twenty-fourth Michigan. Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards asked 
the captured Colonel to what troops he was attached. He replied : 
" The troops that have whipped you so often — Mahone's Division — 
but they did not do much of that thing to-day." This timely victory 
left Warren in full possession of the Weldon Road which cut off this 
important line of the enemy's supplies. 

Monday, the 22d, was spent in burying the enemy's dead and 
bringing in his wounded which were thickly scattered over the 
cornfield. Among their killed was a Major who was buried where he 




BURYINQ THE DEAD. 



274 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



fell, and being disinterred was recognized by an enlisted man of the 
Second Brigade of this Division as being his own son. 

The following were the casualties of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
at the Battle of the Weldon Road, in August, 1864: 

Corporal Rufus J. Whipple of K, mortally wounded, August 2i. 

WOUNDED, AUGUST l8: WOUNDED, AUGUST I9: 

Charles Daney (R.), !• George W. Segar, breast, D. 

Daniel Donehue (R.), I. John McDermott, E. 



CAPTURED AUGUST I9. 



First Lieut. Alonzo Eaton, B. 
Sergt. John Roach, E. 

" Eugene F. Nardin, I. 

" B'. Ross Finlayson, K. 
Corp. John A. Sherwood, C. 

" Thomas G. Norton, E. 

" Robert E. Bolger, H. 
Charles Willaird, A. 
Err Cady, B. 

William A. Herrendeen, C. 
John Passage, jr., C. 



Henry H. Ladd, D. 
Samuel Reed (R.), D. 
William Bruskie, E. 
William Powers, E. 
Daniel Bourassas, F. 
Thomas Burnett (R.), H. 
Clark W. Butler, (R.), H. 
August Gillsbach, H. 
Francis Hynds, H. 
John Chapman (R), K. 



FORTIFICATIONS — SIEGE DUTIES — PEEBLES FARM, ETC. 

Immediately after the Petersburg battles of June 17-22, the army 
settled down to fortification building but a short distance from the 
enemy. Portable sawmills were set up along the Blackwater and 
forests of oak and pine converted into timber, etc., and the work of 
fort building went on from Fort McGilvary near the Appomattox 
around to the south side of Petersburg. To prevent this fort building 
the enemy nightly resorted to artillery and musketry firing which was 
very excessive in some places. In the Fifth Corps line near where 
the Iron Brigade had charged with such fatal results on June 18, was 
Fort Sedgwick — but so hot a place did it become from the enemy's 
bullets that it was nicknamed " Fort Hell." This new victory of 
Warren on the Weldon Railroad now required an additional amount 
of fort building and the work was pushed forward with alacrity. 

To supply the necessaries of the army a military railroad was 
constructed from City Point running off towards Petersburg and just 
outside the reach of the enemy's guns, extending clear around to the 
south side. It went up grade and down grade and over trestles. 
These forts, fortifications and the military road were all constructed 
and operated by enlisted men of the army. 

During the next few weeks the Iron Brigade was engaged in 
siege, picket and fatigue duty, making forts and earthworks. Its 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG — 1864. 2/5 

numbers were greatly reduced and the numbers of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan present for duty were the fewest since it left Detroit. 
Company K, Captain Dodsley, had now but two men left, Sergeant 
Ira W. Fletcher and Elijah Little, and during this period it afforded 
amusement to witness the evolutions of this company. Colonel 
Morrow had so far recovered from his Wilderness wound as to go to 
Michigan on recruiting duty in which he was fairly successful. 

On August 23, the Iron Brigade strengthened its works on the 
Weldon Railroad and built an abatis in front. The next day it erected 
works for a couple of batteries. About noon the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan moved to the east side of the railroad and went into camp, 
fitting it up with shades, etc. On the 25th, the Iron Brigade was 
ordered to go to Hancock's assistance at Reams' Station. After 
marching half a mile, they returned to camp as the enemy were 
repulsed. The Fourth Division was this day broken up and merged 
with the Third under General Crawford. The Iron Brigade will now 
be known as the First Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Army Corps. 
On the 26th, Crawford's Division formed a new line facing the rear of 
Yellow or Globe Tavern. On August 31, the camp was moved over 
into some woods affording a far better location, and the men engaged 
in the usual pastime of fort building. 

On September i, Morris L. Hoople of H was captured by the 
enemy. Two years ago this day the Twenty-fourth Michigan arrived 
in Washington from home — then over 1000 strong; this day less than 
100 men gather about its flag! At 2 A. M. of the 2d, the Iron Brigade 
was aroused and marched down the railroad and massed with its 
Division until daylight, to resist an expected cavalry attack. The 
Division was then moved back and massed near Yellow or Globe 
Tavern until evening, when all repaired to camp. On the 12th a brisk 
picket firing was kept up all day, caused by the Union forces 
attempting to strengthen their lines. On the morning of the 14th the 
camp was again moved so as to bring the Iron Brigade together. 
This camp was very inferior to the former one. Some recruits had 
begun to arrive for the Twenty-fourth and they were drilled eight hours 
each day. On the 22d, General Warren reviewed the Iron Brigade, 
complimenting it upon its appearance. On Sunday the 25th, General 
Grant, Secretary Seward and other notables came to the front, and 
eight officers of the Twenty-fourth went off without leave to see them. 
While gone, the Iron Brigade received orders to move into the front 
line of works and the regiment started off without the absent officers, 
whom they met as they were on their way to camp. Lieutenant- 



2/6 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Colonel Edwards notified them to consider themselves under arrest. 
On the following day they received a suitable admonition to return to 
duty and set no more such examples. 

On Friday, September 30, the First and Second Divisions of the 
Fifth Corps with the Ninth Corps, made an attack upon the enemy at 
Peeble's Farm. The brave Colonel Norvell E. Welch of the Sixteenth 
Michigan, waving his sword over his head, exclaimed: "A commission 
for the first man who will scale the enemy's works," and himself led 
the charge. Mounting the breastworks, he leaped from their top over 
into the works, but before reaching the ground, two minnie balls 
pierced his head, killing him instantly. No braver man ever fell for 
his country. In the afternoon, the Iron Brigade left its works and 
moved back to the old camping ground and awaited orders. 

At 3 o'clock on Saturday morning, October i, the Iron Brigade 
was called up and soon after moved out with its Division near the 
Flower House on the Vaughn Road and threw up earthworks. The 
enemy charged the line on the left but were repulsed. The Iron 
Brigade was not engaged, and on Monday, the 3d, was set to building 
a small fort near the Vaughn Road, and about dark went back to its 
old camp near the Gurley House. It lay in bivouac till 4 o'clock the 
next day when it was ordered to support the skirmish line, after which 
it moved to its old camp at the left of Fort Howard. 

On the 7th drill and guard mounting were resumed, for the first 
time since spring. — The next day the picket line was advanced nearly 
a mile. A part of it was driven back about dark and the 
Twenty-fourth went out to help them form a new line. — On the next 
day, Sunday, the 9th, the regiment was sent out on picket. There 
■ was some firing in the morning and at midnight. — On the loth, 
Sergeant Roswell L. Root, of C, captured and brought in two 
prisoners. One was six feet, five and one-half inches in height. — On 
the 13th, the old regiments of the Iron Brigade turned out to bid 
good-bye to the Nineteenth Indiana which left for home after their 
hard service of three years. — October 14th found the regiment again 
on picket duty. A horserace track had been improvised near Fort 
Dushane, which many of the Generals, other ofificers and men visited 
on race days. — On Sunday, the i6th. Corporal Rhoades brought in 
two deserters from the enemy very early, belonging to the sixty-fourth 
Georgia. — On the 19th, Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards called General 
Crawford's attention to the horse racing near Fort Dushane, as having 
a demoralizing effect upon the army. — The next day the 
Twenty-fourth again took its tour at picket duty. — On Saturday, the 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG — 1864. 2/7 

22d, General Warren sent down and arrested all the enlisted men at the 
horse races. Several Generals and numerous other officers were 
present. — On the 24th, the Iron Brigade turned out to straighten the 
works in front. All trees in camp were ordered to be cut down. — All 
the next day the Twenty-fourth was engaged in work on the new 
lines and clearing away the fallen trees. — On the 26th there was 
noticeably no picket firing. All soldiers very correctly divine that 
such periods of silence are usually but preludes to something ominous. 




GENERAL SAMUEL W. CRAWFORD. 



The wagons were all packed and sent to the rear and orders received 
to be ready to move at 4 o'clock the next morning. 

BATTLE OF HATCHER'S RUN — CLEVER CAPTURE. 

Before winter began Grant resolved to gain possession of the 
Southside Railroad which had become the main channel of 
Confederate supplies. The Second, Fifth and Ninth Corps were 
selected for this task of turning Lee' right flank. The Boydton Plank 
Road runs nearly parallel with the Southside Railroad, between the 
latter and the Weldon Railroad. Hatcher's Run is formed by several 
affluents, and it meanders around considerably. In this vicinity it 
heads in a southeasterly course. 

Thursday, October 27, 1864. Punctually at 4 A. M. the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan with the Iron Brigade (Crawford's Division 
and Fifth Corps), left camp, moving westward to where Poplar 
Spring Church had been burned ; thence south to our line of works; 
then west again, passing out of the works at Fort Clemens on our 



278 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



extreme left flank near the Squirrel Level road. The column turned 
down this road to the Vaughn Road ; thence down that road, to a 
new one cut through the woods west to Armstrong's Mill on Hatcher's 
Run. At the Fort, the column passed Generals Grant and Meade, 
the former sitting on a log, quite alone, enjoying a cigar. 

The Iron Brigade crossed the Run about noon and formed in line 
of battle, this Brigade being in advance with its right next to the 
stream. The rest of the Fifth Corps was on the opposite side of this 




REGION SOUTHWEST OF PETERSBURG, VA. HATCHER'S RUN, DABNEY'S MILLS, ETC. 

stream and up both sides of it the Corps moved. The Iron Brigade 
marched about three miles up hill and down hill, by the right flank 
and by the left flank, but actually advanced only about half that 
distance. The dense low growth of woods and crookedness of the Run 
caused much delay. A large affluent was mistaken for the main 
stream which produced diversion, aside from the difficulty in crossing 
the side stream, the enemy having slashed down the trees upon its 
bank and felled them into it. 

Having crossed this tributary, Crawford formed his Division in 
line, with the Iron Brigade on the left flank and the Twenty-fourth 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURC; — 1 864. 279 

Michigan on the left of its Brigade. The Second Corps had made a 
longer march around to the left of Crawford, but did not connect with 
him. This Corps (the Second) and the 9th were engaged, but the 
Fifth was not, except its skirmish line. The Seventh Wisconsin with 
156 muskets were sent out as skirmishers, and in the engagement, 
captured 216 prisoners, and released about fifty Union prisoners 
that had been captured by the enemy. It was difficult for the two 
parts of the Fifth Corps to communicate, as the banks of the Run were 
dammed up and swampy as well as covered with timber slashing. 
After the repulse of the enemy's attack by the other Corps, night 
came on and the troops all bivouacked where they were. 

During the afternoon it was unsafe to be even a few rods from 
the line, as the "Johnnies" appeared to be there as well as in front. 
Captures and recaptures were frequent. Instances of one man 
capturing several prisoners have been boastfully claimed during the 
war, with much incredulity, but the Twenty-fourth Michigan claims 
one such instance, though not vi et annis, but with the tongue. 
Sergeant Robert Gibbons of B, went a few rods in front of the line to 
ascertain the position of the enemy when he was captured by half-a- 
dozen or more "Johnnies." While trying to get back with their 
capture, "Bob," as he was known in the regiment, tried his 
argumentative powers on the " we 'uns." He told them that they had 
better consider themselves as his prisoners and go into his lines ; that 
his side was going to beat in the end and they had better go where 
their safety and good feeding were assured. The leader of the squad 
told him: "Yank, if you don't stop that kind of talk, I'll blow the top 
of your head off." Gibbons then walked with him and told him they 
would wander around in the woods between the lines until all of them 
would get their heads blown off, and it was better to go in with him 
where they would have no more fighting. "This," said he, "was far 
better than having a head blown off." The leader and the whole 
squad were persuaded that their cause was going up sure and their 
prisoner's advice was wise for them, and they consented to go with 
him. Sergeant Gibbons then had a difficult task to find even his own 
lines and get in unharmed. Presently he heart the loud " Baw — baw 
— baw" of some of the enlisted Indians in one of the Wisconsin 
regiments of the Iron Brigade, and turned in the direction of their 
familiar whoop. He succeeded in getting in safely with all his 
captors who laid down their arms at the sight of the Seventh 
Wisconsin, which regiment was sent out to reconnoiter. 



28o HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Friday, October 28, was rainy like the day before. In the 
darkness of the night, the Hnes were quietly changed. The leaders 
finding that what ought to have b.een accomplished yesterday, had 
failed, resolved to abandon the movement. At daybreak, the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan was marched out of the woods and placed 
on picket to cover the backward movement, the design evidently being 
to sacrifice this picket line to effect the safe withdrawal of the rest of 
the troops. However, the regiment discovered that all the other 
troops had gcyne and the men had a lively run to prevent being 
captured. They overtook the column at Fort Clemens on the 
backward march. They arrived in the camp they had left when they 
set out, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon with only one man missing — A. 
Brutus Heig (Recruit), of Company D. 

RECRUITS — CABINS — ELECTION — CAMP AFFAIRS. 

Over one hundred recruits had been added to the regiment during 
the autumn months and these, as had other recruits in former battles, 
demeaned themselves in a very creditable manner on this occasion. 

Saturday, October 29. The regiment moved its camp back from 
the line of works and worked all this day and Sunday in building 
cabins. They worked like beavers to complete their houses before 
the inclement weather set in and were none too soon. On Sunday 
night the enemy attacked the picket line. The Twenty-fourth was 
hastily put into line but their services were not required. 

Tuesday, November 8. Election Day. An election in a Virginia 
Camp for candidates away off in Michigan was a novel affair. The 
day before was ominous with silence by the enemy and an outbreak 
was expected to disturb the voting, but all was quiet. The polls were 
opened at eight o'clock at Regimental Headquarters. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Edwards, Captain Witherspoon and Lieutenant Hendricks 
were made Inspectors, and Captain Dodsley and Adjutant 
Chamberlin were made Clerks of Election. For President, the vote 
stood 177 for Lincoln and 49 for General McClellan. Ex-Lieutenant- 
Colonel W. W. Wight was present as Commissioner and carried the 
vote to Michigan. During the voting, a deserter came in from the 
enemy and said he wanted to vote for Lincoln. The vote of the old 
regiments of the Iron Brigade was 543 for Lincoln to 116 for 
McClellan. 

Sunday, November 13. Colonel Morrow returned to the regiment 
looking quite well. For several weeks he had been detailed on a 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG — 1 864, 28 1 

General Court Martial at Columbus, Ohio, after his recovery from his 
Wilderness wound. For the rest of the month nothing unusual 
occurred in the affairs of the Twenty-fourth Michigan aside from the 
usual inspections, camp, fatigue and picket duties. During three days 
and four nights it rained incessantly after which, on the 23d, the 
ground froze solid and winter had really begun. That morning 
Patrick English (Recruit) of C was wounded on the picket line. 
There Avas usually very little picket firing when the black hats of the 
Iron Brigade were seen ; but along the other lines, the spiteful popping 
was heard, averaging from sixty to one hundred shots a minute. It 
was so common that it was hardly noticed. Quite a number of 
deserters from the enemy came in every night and a score or more of 
them reported at Division Headquarters every morning. 

Thanksgiving Day came on the 24th and a good dinner from 
friends at home was expected, but the delay of a boat disappointed 
the men, and the good things did not arrive for several days after. 
There was a treat in camp when they did come, and the men began to 
count the days until August 15 next, when their three years of service 
would permit them to enjoy the full blessings of that enchanted place, 
home. Several promotions about this time occurred in the regiment. 
First Leiutenant Benj. W. Hendricks became Captain, and Sergeants 
Samuel W. Church and Shepherd L. Howard became First 
Lieutenants, while numerous advancements were made among the 
rank and file. The camp of the Twenty-fourth Michigan was in front 
of General Meade's headquarters, which locality was marked by a 
mammoth flag by day and two red lights by night. Rows of huts 
roofed with cotton and plastered over with Virginia soil were 
everywhere to be seen. Major Graves, the sutler of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan and Iron Brigade purveyor, came up with a fine supply in 
his line. The Military railroad ran near the camp and within hearing 
distance of the southside railroad operated by the enemy. The shrill 
whistles of their engines were answered back and forth as each was 
hauling supplies for its respective army. The health of the regiment 
was good and now was recruited up so that 300 men appeared in its 
dress parades. 

RAID TO MEHERRIN RIVER. 

Monday, December 5, 1864, brought orders to leave camp on the 
following morning with six day's rations. The Sixth Corps came to 
relieve the Fifth and the fine cabins of the Twenty-fourth were to be 



282 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

occupied by the Fifteenth New Jersey. Thus the soldier knows 
not in the morning where he will sleep at night ; or whether he will 
sleep at all, or in eternity. There was hurrying to and fro. All 
baggage was to be left behind and the men discarded all extra pieces 
of tents, blankets and clothing with which they hoped to make 
themselves comfortable during the winter. They saw a hard winter's 
march before them for some place, none knew where, and not wishing 
to be burdened with a heavy knapsack, put themselves in light 
marching order. Here and there was some soldier giving some 
message to a comrade who was to remain behind, or entrusting his 
valuables to him for safety while he went on a doubtful campaign. 
Letters from friends and " the girls at home" were carefully consigned 
to the flames that they might never by chance be seen by eyes of 
strangers. The camp sank to rest amid the echoes of bugle and drum 
beat that filled the fields and woods with tattoo, as the entire Fifth 
Corps seemed to be camped near by. On Tuesday morning, an early 
reveille awakened all the field and hundreds of fires blazed up to cook 
the frugal breakfast of coffee and bacon. At daylight the long line of 
blue moved away about two miles and massed near the Jerusalem 
Plank Road. 

A portion of the Twenty-fourth Michigan had been out on picket 
during the night and in the morning while one of the men, Samuel 
Davis of B was cooking his coffee about 8 o'clock, he was killed in a 
most murderous manner by a rebel fiend who stealthily crept up and 
shot him dead. The act was the more dastardly from the fact that 
for two months amicable relations had existed between the pickets 
and videttes of the enemy and those of the Iron Brigade, and our men 
felt safe from picket firing. The members of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan rightfully felt very bitter over this treacherous murder and 
had they been allowed to remain upon the line, there would have 
been a fearful retaliation. His comrades brought his body away and 
buried it with military honors about half a mile south of Fort 
Stevenson where the troops were massed. The deceased was only 
twenty years old and his parents resided in Detroit. 

Wednesday, December 7. The column left camp at 7 A. M. and 
marched south on the Jerusalem Plank Road. It crossed Nottaway 
River on pontoons near Freeman's Bridge and pushed on as far as 
Sussex Court House where they bivouacked for the night. At 
daylight on the 8th, they moved on south and soon turned in a 
westerly direction. Reaching the Weldon Railroad at Jarratt's 
Station, they burned the station and 'the bridge north across the 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG — 1 864. 



283 



Nottaway without opposition, destroying the railroad between. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards was made Field Officer of the Division 
and posted pickets to protect the men while destroying the railroad. 
On the 9th they moved further south tearing up and destroying the 
railroad as they advanced, for a distance of twenty miles, as far as 
Hicksford on Meherrin River. The railroad was completely destroyed. 
The rails were heated by being placed on top of heaps of burning ties 
and fence rails, and then twisted around trees and rendered useless. 
Culverts and bridges were burned, and every unoccupied dwelling 
along the line of march was laid in ashes as the column returned. 




SOLDIERS DESTROYING THE WKLDON RAILROAD. 



This raid seemed to be the most vindictive that the army had ever 
engaged in. Some of our stragglers had been murdered by guerrillas 
and their bodies savagely mutilated, which so enraged our troops that 
vengeance was wreaked upon everything that would benefit the enemy. 
The destruction of the railroad was a military necessity, as the enemy 
used it to transport their supplies; but the destruction of the houses 
of peaceable women and children, though venomous in their Union 
hatred, cannot be justified. We are glad to record that the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan and the Iron Brigade had no share in the 
vandalism. The country passed over had been pretty badly used by 
the enemy themselves and most of the dwellers had gone further 
south away from the track of war. 



284 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

On Saturday December 10, about daylight, the column 
commenced moving back. The Iron Brigade moved about 11 o'clock 
covering the rear, by the direct road to Sussex Court House. The 
biting wind, cold snow and sleet with the muddy roads, long and 
rapid marches, made the expedition a tedious one. After a march of 
fifteen miles, the Twenty-fourth Michigan was put on picket to guard 
the rear, about five miles south of Sussex Court House. On Sunday 
the nth, the Iron Brigade again acted as rear guard to the returning 
column. It moved at 8.30 A. M. and kept half a mile behind the 
main column. The enemy followed close but did not attack with any 
spirit. They crossed the Nottaway and bivouacked two miles north 
of it. Continuing to act as rear guard, the Iron Brigade reached Fort 
Stevenson about sunset on Monday evening, the column having 
marched over 100 miles in six days, aside from its labor in destroying 
over twenty miles of railway track. 

CAMP CRAWFORD — NEW COLOR GUARD — PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 

After its return from the Meherrin River Raid, the regiment 
remained in most uncomfortable bivouac in an open field, exposed 
to the cutting cold, damp winds, and stiflng smoke of pine wood fires 
until Friday morning, December 16, when the bugle sounded the 
"pack-up." The column moved across the Jerusalem Plank Road, 
toward the rear and eastward, followed by the wagon trains. The 
Iron Brigade filed off to the east of the Plank Road into a thick 
growth of small pines, flanked by heavier woods in every direction, and 
began cutting logs for new winter quarters. The location was a good 
one, and about two miles from the military railroad. It was named 
" Camp Crawford " after the Division Commander. 

On this day Colonel Morrow reorganized the color-guard. The 
guard appointed on May 3 had nobly borne and preserved the 
regimental flag till nearly all were wounded and had to relinquish 
their charge. Special order No. 68 declared : 

Sergeant Charles D. Durfee of Company C, having volunteered his services, 
and having by long service entitled himself to this honorable distinction, is hereby 
appointed Color Sergeant of this regiment. The following Corporals are also 
appointed to the color guard : Frank Stewart of Company C, James Lindsay of 
Company D, William Weiner of Company G, John Malcho of Company H, and Frank 
Kellogg of Company K. ^ 

On December 17, Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards rode up to the 
place where the Twenty-fourth Michigan made its fearful charge on 



SIEGE OF PETERSBURG — 1 864. 285 

the 1 8th of June last. The trees had all been cut away and its 
appearance much changed. All day Sunday the i8th, the men worked 
to complete their cabins. — With winter-quarters, the furlough season 
returned. In granting furloughs, preference was given to married 
men and those who had never been away from the regiment on 
furlough or otherwise. — Captain George W. Burchell was appointed to 
try and determine court-martial cases for violations of the military 
discipline. — The holidays were spent without an)' special event. 
General Bragg having gone on a leave of absence, December 22d, 
Colonel Morrow took command of the Brigade, and as Lieutenant- 
Colonel Edwards left the same day on leave, the command of the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan devolved upon Major Hutchinson. 

During the months of the siege of Petersburg, it is well to note 
the progress of our arms in other parts of the Avide field of war 
operations. We have already noted the departure of Sherman upon 
his campaign at the same time that Grant crossed the Rapidan on his 
Richmond advance in the early days of May last. During the 
summer, Sherman had victoriously fought his way to and captured 
Atlanta, including the battles at Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain 
and Marietta, during the six weeks that Grant was moving from the 
Rapidan around to Petersburg. Both wings of the Union army 
seemed "to flap together" for once, owing to the directive mind of one 
man. At midnight of May 3 when Grant started on his line of march, 
he telegraphed the fact to Sherman who also set out with his army. 
These dual operations of the eastern and western sections of the 
Union forces occupied the attention of the Confederate armies 
opposing each, so that neither, as frequently had been the case 
theretofore, could spare troops to assist the other. On the 23d of July, 
Atlanta fell, which was a great loss to the Confederacy, as it had been 
the great center for manufacturing war material for the Southern 
armies. 

Admiral Farragut and the Union navy were also getting in their 
work on the water borders of the would be slave-government. During 
August, he captured Mobile and so, slowly but surely, the good work 
went bravely forward. While Grant was firmly holding the enemy to 
his defences around the Confederate capital and Petersburg, Sherman 
was resting at Atlanta, making preparations for his great movement 
a few months later which would startle the world and strike terror 
into the heart of the Confederacy. 

Then too, during this autumn there were the most glorious 
victories of Sheridan over the Confederate Early in the Shenandoah 



286 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Valley, at Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, which electrified 
the nation, knocked gold from its dizzy height, and placed the Union 
cause upon an assured basis. Story and song have made famous 
"Sheridan's Ride" from Winchester to the front on his coal black 
steed, and by his magnetic presence reorganizing the fleeing troops 
and winning a brilliant victory out of defeat. 

The Shenandoah Valley had been the granary for the Confederate 
army and Grant ordered Sheridan to destroy it so completely that " a 
crow would have to carry rations in flying over it," and it was done. 
Every house, barn, shed, farming implement and fence that could in 
any way be utilized in cultivating crops to feed the enemy's army was 
destroyed. Such is war. Virginia and many parts of the South 
drank the waters of bitterness during the four years of their armed 
rebellion — but they invited and brought the trouble upon themselves 
when they set at defiance the national authority. 

The day after election, General Sherman, having allured Hood's 
army to follow up a part of his troops away from Atlanta towards 
Nashville, cut loose from his communications with the North. After 
having completely destroyed Atlanta as a military supply center for 
Confederate armies, he started on his great "March to the Sea" which 
became the wonder of both continents. He captured Savannah just 
before Christmas and disclosed the weakness and inevitable collapse 
of the Confederacy. 

General Hood had gone on to Nashville where General Thomas 
gave him battle, and his army was so completely annihilated and its 
remnant so dispersed, that it was never heard of after, except in 
history. All in all, the year 1864 closed with every encouragement 
for the success of the Union cause and speedy restoration of peace, 
and New Year, 1865, was the brightest since the war began. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Closing Months of the War. 

INDORSEMENT — CAPTAIN BURCHELL — GENERAL MORROW. 

WINTER quarters, the most comfortable and uniform that the 
regiment ever had, were completed during the early days of 
January, 1865, and called "Camp Crawford." It was laid 
out in five streets, a company on each side of a street, the 
cabins were 6^4 x 10 feet in size, with chimneys in the rear, each cabin 
accommodating four men. 

Major Hutchinson applied to the War Department to have the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan filled up and General S. W. Crawford 
endorsed the recommendation in the following flattering terms: 

Head<iuarters Fifth Army Corps, January 10, 1865. 
This noble regiment has a most honorable record. Its ranks are thin from the 
casualties of disease and battle, but the spirit of the officers and men who remain is 
unchanged, and I would respectfully urge its claims to be filled up to the maximum, 
as it is second to no other irgiment in this army. 

During this month, Captain George W. Burchell resigned in 
obedience to impaired health from long and faithful service and 
pressing private business at home. Every officer in the regiment and 
every man in his company signed a testimonial in his behalf. One 
amusing episode in his army experience will bear narrating. The 
Captain had been home on furlough and had overstaid his time a 
few days, returning the day before the campaign began in May, 1864. 
For this delay, he was placed under arrest by some authority in 
Washington but allowed to go to his regiment. A Court of Inquiry 
was ordered which was held on one of the battlefields in that 
campaign while the shot and shell were being hurled over their heads 
as they stood under a tree. It is needless to say that the Captain was 
honorably acquitted of any wrong intention. The following premature 
obituary appeared in the Detroit Tribune in 1863, not an unusual 
occurrence in war days : 

Death of Lieut. Burchell. — We learn by a private dispatch received by the 
wife of Lieut. Burchell of this city, that that officer has died of the wounds received 

(287) 
(19) 



288 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

while crossing into Fredericksburg with the 24th. As an officer and a gentleman, he 
was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and his loss will be mourned by a large 
circle of friends. 

The month of January brought another series of promotions, 
among the non-commissioned ofTficers and ranks and a commission for 
Sergeant A. F. Ziegler, On January 25, General Henr}^ A. Morrow 
was assigned to the command of the Third Brigade (Hoffman's) of the 
Third Division, Fifth Army Corps. This left the regiment in charge 
of Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards again, who had already had much 
experience in its command during Colonel Morrow's absence from 
wounds, etc. — Captain Whiting and Lieutenant Chilson were made 
acting Aides to General Morrow. It is no longer proper to say 
Colonel Morrow, but General Morrow hereafter, as his brilliant record 
has tardily but finally received merited recognition, by his being 
brevetted Brigadier-General of U. S. Volunteers "for gallant and 
distinguished services," a promotion deservedly bestowed. This and 
a full Brigadiership were earned by him, many times, upon the bloody 
field of Gettysburg. In that whirlwind of death, he gave his command 
an example by his intrepidity and valor. To the nerve and daring of 
the commanding ol^cer is often due the courage of his men. Were 
he to be less brave, so very likely would they. To General Morrow 
the nation owes a meed of praise which it has immeasurably accorded 
him for his services that day — frequently taking the flag into his own 
hands and thereby becoming a shining mark for death's arrows, and 
encouraging his men to rally around it; thus making stand after 
stand, delaying tlje enemy's advancing lines until the hastening troops 
of the rest of Meade's army could come up — holding back the enemy 
until he was himself wounded and four-fifths of the regiment had 
disappeared in the whirlwind of battle that swept over that fatal first 
day's field at Gettysburg. Had he and his gallant band done less or 
shown less fortitude on that occasion, the fears of General Wadsworth 
might have been painfully realized when he said what has already 
been quoted: " Colonel Morrow, God only knows what would have 
become of the Army of the Potomac had you not fought the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan as long as you did." 

FRIENDLY PICKETS — MEDICINE RATIONS — MEDALS OF HONOR, ETC. 

The month of January passed away with the usual winter duties, 
the regiment taking its tours at picket. The pickets of the opposing 
armies had settled down in the regiment's front to a quietude as if no 



CLOSING MONTHS OF THE WAR. 289 

war existed. It was a frequent occurrence to see the enemy and our 
own men cutting firewood from the same tree between the lines. On 
January 26, the following was issued: 

Special Order No. 3. — The quinine and whiskej' ordered to be issued to the 
troops, will be dealt out in this regiment like other medicines, by the surgeons. It is 
hereby made the duty of the Officer of the Day to see that the men report by company 
to the surgeon, each morning and evening, and take their medicine. Those who are 
conscientiously opposed to the stuff may be excused from drinking it. 

In some of the other regiments of the Iron Brigade, medals of 
honor had been awarded to certain ones in the ranks for conspicuous 
bravery and honorable conduct. An invitation came froin Brigade 
headquarters, to name members of the Twenty-fourth for similar 
distinction, to which Major Hutchinson then in command replied as 
follows : 

Although this regiment has participated in every march, skirmish, battle, etc., 
in which the Brigade has been engaged, I can recall no instance in which any 
particular member thereof, has so far distinguished himself above his comrades as to 
entitle him to a distinctive badge of merit. I could cite many cases where soldiers 
of this regiment have left their sick beds in hospital to rejoin their comrades when a 
battle was expected ; others, where they have marched for days with bare and 
bleeding feet, as in the march to Gettysburg ; others again, when they were wounded 
in action so as to disable them from handling their'muskets, have refused to leave the 
field, but remained to carry water or tear cartridges for their comrades. Such acts 
have been performed in so many instances by members of this regiment that I cannot, 
doing justice to all, recommend any soldier as more deserving than his comrades. 

Under the supervision of Chaplain Way, a chapel for worship was 
in course of erection by the men, but marching orders on the afternoon 
of February 4, brought their work to a close. There was much 
speculation where the troops were going and what for, but as time 
alone would reveal the mystery, the night was passed as usual on such 
occasions, in receiving a good supply of rations and full complement 
of cartridges, and in reducing knapsacks to the marching weight, as 
well as writing letters home, perhaps farewell ones. Then too, it was 
a source of anxiety if this mid-winter movement would result in an 
abandonment of their cosy and comfortable winter cabins as in 
December last. 

BATTLE OF DABNEV'S MILL, 

Before daylight, Sunday morning, February 5, 1865, the moving 
column was well under way far from their winter camp. It consisted 
of the Second and Fifth Corps, all under command of General 



290 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Warren. It was a beautiful Sabbath day and the bright sun shone 
cheerily upon the veteran troops as they measured their footsteps 
towards the enemy. The Iron Brigade headed the Third Division 
and moved down the Halifax road towards Reams' Station. After a 
march of six miles, Rowanty Creek was reached, which, though only 
twenty feet wide was not conveniently fordable. 

The column was deployed for a while to allow the construction of 
a temporary bridge. The bridge-huilding was simple. Two trees at 
the proper distance from each other on the bank were felled 
transversely across the stream by the pioneers. The fallen trees 
served as stringers upon which was constructed a solid bed of boughs. 
Having crossed this novel bridge, the Regiment with the Iron Brigade 
turned west and continued the march across Hatcher's Run and 
bivouacked for the night. The men suffered much from the cold, as 
tents and blankets had been left in camp. 

Monday morning, the 6th, was spent in taking positions, the 
Second Corps on the right of the Fifth. At 4 o'clock in the morning 
the Iron Brigade moved back on the Vaughn Road across Hatcher's 
Run, and re-crossed this stream about noon and pushed to the right 
of the Duncan Road through the woods towards Dabney's Mill. 
The Seventh Wisconsin and the 150th Pennsylvania were deployed 
as skirmishers, while the Twenty-fourth Michigan guarded the 
left flank. The skirmishers were soon engaged and a running fight 
ensued, the main body following up our skirmish line as it 
advanced and pushed the enemy back to the vicinity of Dabney's 
Mill, where he had taken position under cover of some temporary 
works, from which he was soon dislodged. 

The two lines of battle now engaged in an irregular interchange 
of bullets through the timber in front. The enemy's fire grew more 
continuous and heavy which was evidence that their lines were being 
strengthened. It was now 5 o'clock P. M. and Ayers* Division was 
ordered up to the support of Crawford's, and while moving in common 
was suddenly assailed in large force and driven back. Crawford's 
Division (in which was the Iron Brigade) was heavily engaged on his 
front at the same time. At six o'clock there was a lull in the battle 
and preparations made to receive the enemy, as a charge usually 
follows such periods of silence. Presently Mahone's Division which 
had been fighting our dismounted cavalry on another part of the 
field, now fell suddenly upon the left of the Fifth Corps where the 
Iron Brigade and Twenty-fourth Michigan were in position. The 
flank resisted for a moment, but to no avail. It was crumbled back 



CLOSINCr MONTHS OF THE WAR. 29I 

upon the center. The ammunition of a part of Crawford's Division, 
at this critical moment became exhausted. This portion of the Hne 
broke off and in a few minutes the entire line was in confusion. A 
division from the Sixth Corps which left camp in the morning, now 
came up, and the fighting became desultory but desperate. 

The country between Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill was 
covered with heavy timber, the ground softened by numerous swamps 
and cut up by ravines. The road upon which the columns and trains 
had to move was narrow, filled with stumps and knee deep with mud. 
A slight crust of frozen surface only increased the difificulties, and 
instead of being fresh for battle, the men were tired out by their conflict 
with the mud. Some lost their shoes, which stuck in the mire; their 
clothing was dampened, and their guns in some cases, rendered unfit 
for present use. 

The operations of the troops off the road were worse. The 
ground was fresh, the timber thick and netted with a web of 
undergrowth. As the men advanced through this maze, many were 
laid low by the deliberate fire of unseen riflemen. When they retired, 
the roads and woods were alive with disorder. The men fought single 
handed through the timber from tree to tree. They fell back out of 
the woods into the open on the Vaughn Road. The lines were hastily 
re-formed and under the protection of some temporary works awaited 
the onslaught of the enemy. Soon the Avoods in front bristled with 
their bayonets as they dashed out into the clearing in front. From 
their works the Fifth Corps met them with a terrible fire which caused 
them to retreat hastily through the woods. 

The Iron Brigade opened the battle and General Bragg's orderly 
was killed. Crawford's Division did most of the fighting of the day. 
It was one of the most stubborn battles the Iron Brigade was ever in. 
They drove the enemy handsomely for two miles, but his sudden and 
heavy reinforcements proved too much for this division. Having 
fallen back to near Hatcher's Run, night ended the contest and the 
men slept on their arms. Early in the action, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Edwards' horse was shot under him. The ball passed through his 
boot-leg, through his trousers and through his horse. Colonel 
Edwards also received a ball in his coat but he himself was not 
wounded. 

Tuesday, February 7. The weather was terribly cold. It began 
to rain in the morning and there was a cold sleet all day. Crawford's 
Division moved out again and formed its lines further to the right, 
joining the Second Corps. The line advanced into some woods and 



292 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

met the enemy, who opened a severe artillery fire. A solid shot 
passed directly under Sergeant Augustus Pomeroy, which stunned 
him and covered him with mud. The same shot riocheting, killed 
Sergeant George H. Canfield and George Wallace, both of Company 
I ; wounded Sergeant Walter Morley of D and took a leg off of 
John Danbert of D. 

The Iron Brigade made a charge towards the right but did not 
take the enemy's works. John Henderson of Company G of the 
Twenty-fourth was killed in this charge, and Edwin J. Ranger was 
mortally wounded, the last man killed in battle in the regiment. 
Captain B. W. Hendricks and privates George W. Wilson and Peter 
Batway, all of Company G, were injured by the falling of a tree which 
had been severed by a cannon ball. Adjutant Lewis H. Chamberlin 
was wounded in the groin. The ball struck his pocket knife and bent 
it nearly double which doubtless saved him from a fatal wound. 
Another ball struck in his boot leg. The Adjutant still keeps the 
bent knife as a sacred war relic. 

During the battle Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards noticed that his 
men had ceased firing in one place. They were helping the Seventh 
Wisconsin men bury their pet dog which had followed them from 
camp to field and was always sharing his chances in battle with the 
men, knowing no fear. This day a minnie ball killed him and the men 
suspended their shooting long enough to give their pet dog an 
honorable but hasty burial amid showers of bullets from the enemy. 
The Iron Brigade bivouacked at night upon the field till one o'clock 
Wednesday morning, the 8th, when it fell back with its division to 
the east side of Hatcher's Run, preceded by the Sixth Corps. The 
other divisions of the Fifth Corps, as well as the Second Corps, held 
their places and fortified the position they had gained on the west side 
of the Run which was thereafter permanently held and the lines 
extended thereto- in the direction of the Southside Railroad. The 
enemy made no attempt to follow up Crawford's Division. The 
weather was terribly cold and the men suffered much, without blankets 
or tents. After laying in an open field till near night, the 
Twenty-fourth moved into some pine woods where the force of the 
wind was broken and the men bivouacked. Crawford's Division was 
complimented highly for its conduct in the recent engagements. It 
left camp Sunday morning, 4,000 strong, and sustained a loss of 1 180. 

On Thursday, February 9, three ofificers and one hundred and 
twelve men of the Twenty-fourth Michigan were sent out on picket, 
the last of this kind of duty during the war. On Friday, the loth. 



CLOSING MONTHS OF THE WAR. 293 

the column, early in the morning, moved out of its bivouac towards 
its old camp, but was soon halted beside the Vaughn Road and all 
put to work cutting logs for a corduroy road, the engineers putting 
them in place. At 4:30 in the afternoon, the column resumed its 
march for camp where it arrived at 8 o'clock, the men very tired, and 
the band playing a cheerful welcome home. The following were the 
casualties of the Twenty-fourth Michigan at the Battle of Dabney's 
Mill, February 6 and 7, 1865 ; those marked with a star being injured 
on the 6th and the others on the 7th : 



1st Sergt. George H. Canfield, I. John Henderson (R.),- G. 

George Wallace (R.), I. Isaac J. Kibbee, I.* 

MORTALLY WOUNDED. 

Henry Aldridge, Recruitj of Company E.* 

Edwin J. Ranger, leg amputated. Last man wounded. 

OTHER WOUNDED. 

Brevet Brigadier-General Henry A. Morrow,* severely in side while commanding 
Third Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Army Corps. 
Capt. Benjamin W. Hendricks, G. James L. Fairweather (R.), D.* 

Adj't Lewis H. Chamberlin, staff. William Barrett, D. 

1st Lieut. Augustus F. Ziegler, F.* George Dolan (R.), D. 

Sergt. Augustus Pomeroy, C. Charles E. Jenner, F. 

Walter S. Morley, D. Peter Batway, G. 

Corp. Herman Stehfest, arm ampu- George W. Wilson, G. 

tated. A.* William Smith, G. 

" Robert C. Bird, ear, D.* Michael Brabeau, G. 

George W. Dingman, (R.), A. James Lynch (R), K. 

John Danberi, leg ampt'd, D. 

MISSING. 

I 

Alexander H. Morrison, H, Orderly to General Bragg. 

Ste ////// 1! / y : — KWled and died of wounds, 6; other wounded, 19; missing, i; 
Total, 26. 

The following is from the editor of the New York Times : 

During my ride in and about the different corps, I missed many a familiar face 
and had to mourn the loss of some brave spirits who have fought their last battle or 
are suffering from severe wounds. Among the latter stands foremost Brevet 
Brigadier-General Henry A. Morrow, who received his wound while heroically 
rallying his brigade, battle Jlag in hand, after a temporary disorganization from a 
partial uncovering of his flank. General Morrow did not need any further laurels to 
render his name greener in the memory of his comrades, but in after days the battle 
of Hatcher's Run (Dabney's Mill) will be among the brightest of his recollections. 



294 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

LAST NIGHT AT THE FRONT. — JOURNEY TO SPRINGFIELD. 

Tired and weary after their return from the recent hard campaign, 
the men cooked their coffee and partook of their frugal evening meal, 
glad to find rest in comfortable quarters. There were vacant cots that 
night in their little cabins, but these things are expected when they 
go off to battle from their camp. An order later in the evening 
dispelled their repose. They were to march at daylight next morning, 
with all their baggage and camp equipage, to the new line of works on 
Hatcher's Run. This meant an abandonment of present cozy winter 
houses for new ones, or bivouac in open fields and woods. 

Saturday morning, February 1 1, 1865, came, and an early breakfast, 
the last in their little cabins at "Camp Crawford." All readiness was 
made to move at 6 o'clock but there was a delay for several hours for 
some reason, when orders came for the Iron Brigade to report at 
Warren Station at noon, to go to Baltimore. The Secretary of War 
had telegraphed to General Grant for a brigade of reliable troops to 
report to General Halleck for special service. The matter was 
referred to General Warren who selected the Iron Brigade (it being 
the First Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Corps) as he said: "in view 
of their long and gallant services on many a well contested field of 
battle, and especially in the late engagement," for the brunt of the 
attack in the Dabney's Mill battle fell upon this Brigade. The order 
was obeyed with no less wonder than alacrity. By mid-afternoon 
they were on the cars moving for City Point, the field officers riding 
down on horseback. Before dark the Twenty-fourth Michigan, Sixth 
and Seventh Wisconsin went aboard the steamer " George Weems," 
which was delayed to wait for headquarters' baggage and detailed 
men to come up. 

Sunday, February 12. Before setting sail, the orders as far as 
related to the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, were countermanded and 
these regiments left the boat just before sunrise and returned to the 
front. At 8 o'clock the boat steamed down the James River and 
arrived at Fortress Monroe at 5 o'clock, where it had to anchor 
and wait for the wind to abate. As the steamer passed Newport 
News, there could be seen the masts of the Rebel Pirate Florida, near 
the spot where the Cumberland went down, and where the haughty 
Merrimac came out of Norfolk on her work of destruction, when she 
met an unexpected but equal foe in the hitherto unknown Monitor. 

Monday, February 13. The wind was so high that they did not 
leave Fortress Monroe until 2 P. M., when the boat steamed out into 



CLOSING MONTHS OF THE WAR. 295 

the Chesapeake. The bay was rough and it was very cold. Night came 
on with no fire and scarce a cup of coffee to a dozen men. The men 
tried to sleep but with little success, not a soul knowing the object of 
their sudden departure for the North. The ice preventing 
the boat from going clear up to Baltimore, they put into 
Annapolis at 8 o'clock Tuesday morning, but as transportation on the 
cars was delayed, the troops remained aboard the boat till 9 o'clock 
Wednesday morning. Going ashore they proceeded to the College 
Green Barracks for coffee. After waiting all day at the depot amid a 
drenching rain, they boarded the cars at 9 P. M. for Baltimore, where 
they arrived after midnight and went at once to the "Soldiers' Rest," 
and bunked on the'floors till morning. 

February 16. At breakfast the men were seated at tables, the 
first luxury of that kind the most of the veterans had experienced for 
two and one half years. It set them to counting on their fingers the 
few remaining months of their enlistment when they would enjoy the 
full luxuries of their home firesides. The mystery of their sudden 
departure from the front was this day solved by an order sending the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan to Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois, 
that being the rendezvous for drafted men. They were to do guard 
duty there, and meanwhile recruit their meager ranks to the maximum 
limit. After collecting all the men detached to Battery B, the 
Pioneer and Stretcher Corps, there were found to be, with the recruits 
and convalescents, three hundred and eighteen men and officers and 
fourteen horses. Only about one hundred of the men were with the 
Regiment when it left Detroit. 

February 17. After breakfast at the " Rest," the Regiment 
moved to the depot to take cars for the West. Late in the afternoon 
the cars arrived, loaded with five hundred Confederate prisoners from 
Camp Douglass, Chicago. They were all strong and hearty, with no 
evidence of ill-treatment, and very unlike the emaciated forms of 
our Union prisoners who returned from Andersonville and other 
Southern pens, utterly unfit for duty from hunger and disease 
resulting from exposure and starvation. Many of the Secesh women 
of the city came to see and feed them, and felt exceedingly indignant 
because they were not allowed to give dainties to their friends. 
Smiles only could they bestow through the line of Federal bayonets 
which prevented oral intercourse. But for the little fragment of a 
regiment that had fought for their homes for two and a half years, 
these Secesh females had nothing but frowns. Finally at 6 P. M. the 
men on the slow cars moved away. At York, Penn., the engine gave 



296 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

out and it was 8 o'clock in the morning when they reached Harrisburg. 
February 18 was spent moving westward over the Alleghanies by 
the same route the men went to the front in August, 1862. It was 
midnight ere the men reached the "Soldier's Home" at Pittsburg for 
supper. The originals of the regiment were reminded of the warm 
reception given them on our journey to the front. Leaving this 
smoky town at daylight, on Sunday morning the 19th, all day the 
train moved through Ohio, the Buckeye girls not failing to wave the 
returning soldiers a welcome as warm as the good speed they gave us 
when we passed through to the seat of war. Passing through Alliance, 
Crestline, and other Ohio towns, the train arrived at Fort Wayne, 
Indiana, at 3 o'clock Monday morning, 'and started for Springfield at 
8 o'clock, in box cars without stoves. All day and night they slowly 
journeyed at freight train speed, via Logansport, through the Hoosier 
State, and at 8 o'clock arrived at their destination. 

CAMP BUTLER— NEW FLAG — SICKNESS— RECRUITS — GENERAL 

SITUATION. 

Tuesday, February 21. The regiment proceeded to the barracks 
at Camp Butler and found them and the camp in a terribly filthy 
condition. There were about 6,000 men in the camp waiting to be 
distributed to the different regiments at the front. It became the 
duty of the Twenty-fourth Michigan to guard these men that none 
should leave camp without authority, and for the next few weeks, 
details of officers and men of the Twenty-fourth were sent to conduct 
detachments of drafted men and recruits to Cairo, Nashville, 
Washington, New York and other points. 

February 22. Major Hutchinson arrived in camp this day with a 
new flag for the regiment — a present from the citizens of Detroit, 
Colonel Flanigan supervising the matter. The body of the flag is of 
blue banner silk, double skirted with heavy gold, and six feet square. 
In the center is the State Coat of Arms, over which is the name of the 
regiment. The four corners are ornamented with the names of the 
different battles in which the regiment had fought. It was made by 
Tiffany & Co., of New York, at a cost of $1,200, and for twenty-six 
years it has been carefully preserved by the survivors of the regiment. 
The old flag, riddled and torn, and worn from exposure in battle, camp 
and field, was borne by the men until their return home, and was 
eventually placed with the colors of the other Michigan regiments in 
the capitol at Lansing. 



CLOSING MONTHS OF THE WAR. 297 

As the days and weeks passed by, the improper drainage of this 
prairie camp (really no drainage at all), and its muddy and filthy 
condition, had their natural effects upon the health of the men. In 
some respects, Camp Butler was more unpleasant and its duties more 
arduous than at the front, and officers and men sighed for their 
Petersburg winter quarters. The sickness of the men continued and 
the insufficient hospital accommodations made matters worse, so that 
within two months after the arrival of the regiment at Camp Butler, 
thirty-three of its number had died, mainly from disease contracted in 
this unhealthy place. In a detachment of recruits sent to Washington, 
one boy died on the train only five miles from his home. He had been 
kept in the hospital until death stood by his side, entreating that he 
might go home to die among his friends, but was at last sent away 
only to die on the road. 

The recruits and drafted men had not so fine a time escaping as 
before the Twenty-fourth Michigan arrived. Prior to their arrival, 
1,600 had jumped the guard and escaped ; but now, they found it far 
more difficult to jump the bounty or the fence. Large sums as 
bribes were offered our men to allow these bounty substitutes and 
drafted men to escape, but to the honor of the Twenty-fourth, every 
member proved incorruptible. The insufficiency of the guards had 
compelled a veteran regiment to be brought from the front whose 
members were not afraid to shoot, and some of the guarded men 
learned this to their sorrow. One fellow had his fingers blown off by 
one of our guards while trying to escape from the cars on the way to 
the front. 

About the middle of March, eight Sergeants went to Michigan to 
obtain recruits to fill the ranks of the regiment to its maximum. A few 
days only elapsed when this was accomplished, on the 29th of March, 
1865, and the complement of ten Second Lieutenants was soon after 
allowed. Thus the regiment was again with full ranks, ready to help 
wind up the rebellion. But this privilege was denied it, for in eleven 
days more an event occurred which startled the world and brought 
the terrible four years of bloodshed to a close. Had this not been so, 
the Twenty-fourth would have returned to the theater of war and it 
was no fault of its own that it had no part in the closing struggle. 
But its history was already rounded up in full measure with a most 
heroic and honorable record which was in no wise diminished by its 
absence from the scenes of final victory. It had other duties as 
important and sacred. We will leave the regiment at Camp Butler 



298 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

for a time and return to an acount of the final days of the rebellion, in 
the field. 

After the capture of Savannah, General Sherman allowed his 
army a month's rest and then proceeded northward through the 
Carolinas towards Virginia, writing on the bosom of the country, as 
when he went through Georgia, in letters forty miles long, the 
penalties of treason and rebellion. Desolation marked his route, and 
by the middle of March, 1865, his army was resting near Goldsboro, 
N. C. 

The omens of defeat were plainly written against the 
Confederacy. Its armies were gradually diminishing from disease and 
desertion with no hope of recruitment except from the slaves whose 
freedom, however, was denied for such proposed service. Then too, 
the people of the South had begun to separate themselves from the 
war policy of their leaders, knowing that failure must eventually 
attend the cause for which they had already sacrificed so much. 

The scattered forces of the Confederate armies along the 
seaboard were gathered to oppose Sherman, and placed under the 
command of the deposed General Joseph E. Johnston. And thus, 
while Sherman was resting and holding in his front the main insurgent 
army aside from Lee's troops, Grant was free to take the offensive 
against the forces about Petersburg and Richmond, which he did 
during the last days of March. Already had Fort Fisher been 
captured, and Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, Columbia and the 
chief cities of the South fallen into Union hands. And still the 
Confederate authorities insisted upon holding out which could only 
result in a further useless effusion of blood. Lee could see no hope 
in remaining at Richmond and Petersburg, and sought to break 
through the National lines and unite with Johnston's army. Fort 
Steadman was situated not more than one hundred yards from the 
Confederate intrenchments near the extreme right of Grant's army, 
and this was the point selected to capture and open a door for escape. 
On March 24, Lee massed 20,000 men for the attack. They captured 
the fort and turned its guns upon the Union lines, but the fort was 
immediately retaken with a severe loss to the enemy. 

BATTLE OF \YHITE OAK ROAD. 

All being in readiness for the grand move forward, already 
inaugurated by Lee's attack, several hours before daylight on the 
morning of March 29, the Fifth Corps troops left their trenches and 



CLOSING MONTHS OF THE WAR. 



299 



camps and marched away to Reams' Station and thence to Monk's 
Neck Bridge over the Rowanty. After a halt to let the cavalry pass, 
it moved by the right flank up the Quaker Road. The Corps was 
under its cautious and skillful commander General G. K. Warren who 




GENERAL GOVERNOUR G. K. WARREN. 



had no superior as a corps commander since the death of General 
Reynolds. This corps, which was the old First, was again, as often 
before, put at the front. It was a difficult march owing to a prevailing 
rainstorm. Soon after crossing Rowanty Creek (which is formed by 
the junction of Hatcher's Run and the Gravelly Run), General 
Warren encountered the enemy and had a sharp brush with them, his 
corps losing three hundred and seventy men. 

After the departure of the Twenty-fourth Michigan for the North, 
the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin of the Iron Brigade returned to 
their old camp in this corps and were placed under the command of 
Colonel Kellogg, of the Sixth Wisconsin. On March 5, the Ninety- 
First New York Heavy Artillery were added to it, and altogether now 



300 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

with the new recruits numbered about 3,000 men. It contained the 
veteranized members of the old regiments and was once more a strong 
factor. It was officially known as the " First Provisional Brigade," 
but the name "Iron Brigade" the men still clung to, and it was so 
called at all times except on the records. On this day it moved with 
the Fifth Corps to near the Boydton Plank Road, and formed the 
first line of battle in front of the Second Brigade. The enemy having 
been driven from his position the Seventh Wisconsin was placed on 
the road and the rest of the Brigade a short distance in the rear in line 
with the Fifth Corps in front of the Confederate works. 

During the night Lee strongly reinforced this part of his line 
along the Boydton Plank. Thus strengthened, on the 30th, Lee 
struck the Fifth Corps a stunning blow, and it recoiled for a time, 
but recovering itself with the aid of Miles' Division of the Second 
Corps, forced the enemy behind his intrenched position in front of 
the White Oak Road west of Burgess' Mills. The Iron Brigade during 
the day threw up breastworks. On the 31st a very severe engagement 
occurred for the possession of the enemy's works along the White 
Oak Road. In this affair, the Iron Brigade moved from their breast- 
works in a northwest direction across Gravelly Run, where it was 
massed in column of regiments for a time when the Sixth and 
Seventh Wisconsin were ordered to arrest the men falling back in 
confusion. They closed the interval, formed line of battle and opened 
fire on the enemy until the latter turned both their flanks when the 
brigade retired across Gravelly Run being compelled to fight their 
way back. They were formed in line next to the creek and moved 
forward again onto the battle-field. 

The Fifth Corps, led by General Warren, sustained a loss of 
nearly 1,500 in the fighting of this day but was very successful. Alone 
and at a disadvantage, by the superior skill of Warren and the never 
failing intrepidity of the Fifth Corps, it had driven the enemy back 
from their works and possessed them, making the victory of the 
following day an easy matter. General Sheridan had advanced from 
Dinwiddle Court House to Five Forks, but when the enemy were 
driven back in front of the Fifth Corps, they fell back on Five Forks 
compelling Sheridan to return to Dinwiddle Court House. Attempts 
have been made for reasons that will appear further on in this 
narrative, to ignore this day's battle and its very name — but the pen 
of history is a great adjuster, and will insist that its name and the 
General who successfully directed the Corps that fought it, shall be 
accorded the honor and credit of the victory. It was General Warren 



CLOSING MONTHS OF THE WAR. 3OI 

and the Fifth Corps who won the battle of White Oak Road. 
For three days had this corps been fighting and paved the way for the 
sweeping victory the next day at Five Forks. 

BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS. 

Somewhat farther down on the White Oak Road is a place called 
Five Forks, situated in the woods, and so named from the fact that 
five roads diverge from this point as a center. In its vicinity was the 
Confederate right, to turn which was the object of this campaign, and 
cut off Lee from the Southside Railroad, thus compelling the 
evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg. During the three preceding 
days, March 29, 30 and 31, while Warren had been operating 
successfully in his front, Sheridan had less success about Dinwiddie 
Court House with his cavalry. The next day, April i, Warren was 
ordered to go to the support of Sheridan, who seemed to expect quite 
as much speed from infantry as cavalry, at this time. The Fifth Corps 
was delayed to admit the building of a bridge over an unfordable 
stream and did not get up as soon as Sheridan expected or desired, 
ostensibly. Upon its arrival, Sheridan, as senior officer, assumed 
command of the whole. Such disposition of all the troops were 
made that with the very opening of the battle at 4 P. M., the 
Confederate route began, and by 7 o'clock the battle had become 
history with 5,000 Confederates as prisoners. 

During this day the Iron Brigade moved in a westerly direction to 
Gravelly Run Church. In the afternoon the Seventh Wisconsin 
occupied the advance line on the left of the Brigade with the Sixth 
Wisconsin on the right. Advancing in line, with two companies of 
the Seventh as skirmishers, the enemy's advance was driven through 
the woods to their intrenchments at Five Forks. Colonel Richardson 
of the Seventh was ordered to move over the enemy's works, and the 
gallant Colonel obeyed. Wheeling to the right, the enemy was 
charged through the open field, through some woods and a second 
open field. At night the Brigade fell back and took position behind 
the breastworks captured from the enemy. 

At night, after the battle had been won, partly that day by the 
efforts of the Fifth Corps, in which General Warren led the van of 
the charging column, and whose horse was fatally shot under him but 
a few feet from the enemy's breastworks, the latter officer received a 
note from Sheridan relieving him of his command. The latter had 
beome impatient at Warren's seeming but unavoidable delay in 



302 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

the morning, in getting his Corps onto the field, and also 
professed that he did not skillfully handle his troops. Now, 
while Sheridan did much for his country, which will weave for him its 
choicest garlands, still we firmly believe that in this instance he acted 
impetuously, a belief shared by the entire Fifth Corps. Warren's 
Corps had been marching and fighting for three days and nights and 
their speed could not approach to that of cavalry. Again the easy 
victory of this day had already been secured by Warren's Corps, of 
whom and of whose success, Sheridan evinced a jealousy in merging 
the four days' fighting under the one name of Five Forks, claiming 
the whole honor himself, after dishonoring the General who did far 
more than himself to obtain this victory. In subsequent years a 
Court of Inquiry completely exonerated Warren from all blame on 
this occasion, which action speaks more emphatically of Warren's 
good name and fame, than any language we can employ here. But 
the ill-treatment of his superior undoubtedly was the cause of his 
premature death. 

RICHMOND EVACUATED — SURRENDER OF LEE. 

On Sunday, April 2, the Confederate lines about Petersburg were 
cannonaded and the enemy driven into their inner works. At the 
same time the Southside Railroad was cut and then for the first time 
was the insurgent " President " made aware of the " Crack of doom " 
for the Confederacy. During divine service, an Aide from General 
Lee passed up the Church aisle, in Richmond, to the pew of Jefferson 
Davis and handed him a message, stating that the results of the 
morning's fighting would compel the evacuation of Petersburg and the 
Confederate Capital that night. His pale face, as he slowly arose and 
left the church, plainly disclosed the import of the dispatch. The 
services were prematurely closed and pandemonium reigned in that 
Southern Babylon, as when Cyrus marched his army by night, into 
that amazed city, by the bed of the diverted Euphrates. 

That night Lee withdrew his forces toward the west, the only 
outlet left to him, hoping to unite with Johnston's army in North 
Carolina and thus prolong the war. The Federal army was close in 
pursuit. On Sunday morning the 2d, the Iron Brigade advanced to 
the Southside Railroad to find the enemy's position abandoned. This 
was thirteen miles west of Petersburg. The Brigade advanced rapidly 
in a westerly direction and found the enemy intrenched on the 
Burkesville road. The Brigade was deployed to the right of the road 



CLOSING MONTHS OF THE WAR. :;o^ 



0^^ 



as skirmishers. After dark the enemy opened fire on their Hnes which 
was replied to and the command advanced and halted within a few 
rods of their breastworks where they lay on their arms for the nio-ht. 
During the night the enemy withdrew and were pursued but not 
overtaken. The Iron Brigade went into bivouac. On the morning 
of the 4th the pursuit was resumed to Jettersville on the Danville 
Railroad, where the Brigade was formed in line of battle, the men 
weary and footsore, after travelling all day and throwing up 
breastworks all night. Here they rested until the 6th when it was 
found that the enemy had again taken flight. Pursuit was renewed, 
during the 6th and 7th on the west side of the Appomattox. They 
reached High Railroad Bridge when the enemy had fired the bridge. 
Another chase on the 8th proved a long and wearisome march after the 
fleeing insurgents. On Sunday morning the pursuit was resumed 
until the enemy was reached, completely hemmed in. Sheridan's 
cavalry had got around him and lay squarely across his path, at 
Appomattox Court House. Cut off from escape in every direction, 
Lee assented, at the proposal of Grant, to a surrender of his entire 
army. The terms were the most liberal. The men were permitted to 
take their horses and the officers their side arms ; all to return to their 
homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority as long as 
they respected their paroles and obeyed the laws in force where they 
resided. Lee's sword was neither asked for nor tendered, as the terms 
of the capitulation allowed him to keep it and preserved him from 
arrest for trial and punishment. Whatever perfidy should attach to 
his name, after having been educated by his government and havino- 
taken an oath to defend it, then to violate his oath, turn traitor to his 
country and help deluge the land in blood, would not excuse the United 
States Government in violating its terms of capitulation offered Lee 
and his troops by its representative. General Grant. 

So soon as the surrender was made known, salvos of Union 
artillery began to reverberate through the hills in exultation of the 
event, but an Aide from Grant at once ordered the firing to cease, as 
the surrendered forces were to be treated as equals in a Republic and 
not as conquered foes with rights abridged. The men of the two 
armies mingled together, and all were fed from the Union commissary, 
glad that the terrible struggle of four long years was ended. It was 
not unlike the scene at the close of a Roman civil war in centuries 
agone, when the soldiers of the opposing armies bound up each other's 
wounds and friendship prevailed around common camp fires, care 

(20) 



304 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



being taken not to offend the valor that had won their admiration on 
many a field. General rejoicing prevailed throughout the North. 
Bells were rung, cannon fired, and illuminations lighted the skies in 
town and village. 



ASSASSINATION OF LINCOLN. — CLOSE OF THE WAR. 

Scarcely had the loud acclaim ceased ere the nation was plunged 
into the deepest grief and the world startled by the crime of ages — 
the wicked assassination of Abraham Lincoln, at once the most abused 
and best loved President the nation ever had, on the night of April 
14, 1865. Long did the people refuse to be comforted, though 
sympathetic messages came from every country and the isles of the 




ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



sea. They had learned to confide in his candor and wisdom, and to 
regard him as a safe master to pilot them out of the stormy tempest 
of war. His honest and wise statesmanship illustrates history with 
the choicest gems, and the wisdom he displayed was as wonderful as 



CLOSING MONTHS OF THE WAR. 305 

Solomon's in his day. As the secret chapters of the sad war days are 
unfolded, they discover a wisdom in his direction of the affairs with 
which he had to do, that indicates a more than human foresight. 
Confessedly he was tJie man for the hour and occasion — God's 
instrument for the annihilation of the cause of the war, African 
Slavery. Grace sufficient he had, of native or divine power, to break 
the chains of bondage and let the slaves go free. In his death the 
South, which had made his election the occasion for secession and 
war, lost its best friend and the grief manifested there was Lincoln's 
proudest triumph. His memory with his last inaugural message to 
the Nation, " With malice towards none and charity for all," will go 
down the ages with that of Washington and William The Silent, only 
to grow brighter with advancing time. 

Appropriate ceremonies were held in every locality. The body 
of the martyred President was conveyed amid general mourning to 
his home at Springfield, 111., from whence he had departed four years 
before with such a sad heart. We may well recall his prophetic words 
on that occasion. To his neighbors, who had assembled at the depot 
to bid him good-bye, from the platform of his car he spoke as follows: 

My Friends: No one not in my position can appreciate the sadness I feel at this 
parting. To this people I owe all that I am. Here I have lived over a quarter of a 
century. Here my children were born and here one of them lies buried. I know not 
how soon I shall see you again. A duty devolves upon me which is perhaps greater 
than that which has devolved upon any other man since the days of Washington. He 
never would have succeeded except for the aid of Divine Providence, upon which he 
at all times relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without the same Divine aid which 
sustained him, and in the same Almighty Being I place my reliance for support ; and 
I hope you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive thai* Divine assistance, 
without which 1 cannot succeed, but with which success is certain. Again, I bid you 
all an affectionate farewell. 

On May 4th, the mortal remains of the nation's martyred chief 
were borne to the grave amid the profound sorrow of his friends to 
whom he had addressed the above words which, like his Gettysburg 
speech, seemed to have been the gift of that Divine guidance on which 
he relied. The solemn duty of performing the martial rites at his 
funeral devolved upon the Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry which 
formed his funeral escort. 

CLOSE OF THE WAR. 

The surrender of Lee's army was but the prelude for the 
remaining armies of the defunct Confederacy to lay down their arms 
on the best obtainable terms, which however, were very similar to 



3o6 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



those granted to Lee and his troops. In the course of a few weeks, 
every insurgent gun and munition of war was in possession of the 
national government, and the soldiers composing the Confederate 
armies had peaceably disbanded to their homes. But Jefferson Davis 
and a few followers escaped from Richmond and were determined to 
prolong the hopeless struggle. His capture a month later by the 
Fourth Michigan Cavalry in the ridiculous attire of a female, was a 
retributive ending of the "Lost cause," and a fitting disgrace to this 
prisoner-starving traitor. The national flag was again triumphant 
through all the land and the war was closed. 




HOME OP ABRAHAM LINCOLN, SPRINGFIELD. ILL. 



CHAPTER XV. 



The Armies Disbanded. 



LETTER OF GENERAL MORROW. 

^^P ^ERY soon after the surrender of the insurgent forces, both 
^^w the armies of Grant and Sherman were headed for 
^J^ Washington. General Henry A. Morrow, by order, left the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan at Springfield the day that Lincoln 
was assassinated, to assume command of the Iron Brigade. The 
following letter from him, written soon after to Adjutant Chamberlin is 
expressive of occurring events in those days: 

Headquarters First Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Corps, } 
Near Arlington, Va., May ig, 1865. \ 
My Dear Adjutant: 

I have not Jorgotten my promise to write you, but since I rejoined the Army of 
the Potomac we have been constantly on the march until within the last few days, 
and there has been no opportunity for writing. You will be interested, I think, in a 
slight description of the homeward march of the victorious army and I will attempt to 
give you some idea of it. You know of course, that I have been assigned to the command 
of the "Iron Brigade." I was well received by both officers and men, and soon felt 
as much at home as though I had been in the bosom of the Twenty-fourth. God bless 
you ! 

When I rejoined the Brigade, it was at Black and White's Station, on the 
Southside Railroad, about sixty miles from Petersburg. Army headquarters were at 
Burksville, thirteen miles beyond. You remember that, to the mind of the soldier, 
Burksville was a famous place. It contains a tavern, a grocery, a blacksmith shop 
and a half dozen dilapidated buildings besides. The station has been destroyed. 
Black and White exists only in name. Nothing but the ruins remained to show that 
any human habitation had ever been there. 

On the 1st of May, orders were received to take up the homeward march via 
Petersburg, Richmond, Hanover Court House, Bowling Green and Fredericksburg. 
The country around Black and White is very beautiful. Though early spring at the 
North, here the roses were in full bloom, and the fruit such as apples, peaches, etc., 
were as large as peas. 

Our march was one of triumph. The Grand Old Army of the Potomac felt, 
every man of them, that they were heroes, and every step was firm and elastic as 
became the soldiers of a hundred battles. The Iron Brigade, especially, felt glorious 
and your humble servant as he marched through Petersburg with banners flying and 
music playing, felt proud of his country and its deeds. I marched the Brigade 

(307) 



308 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

through the city by platoon front, closed en masse, at a right shoulder shift. It was 
conceded that our Brigade made a grand appearance. The sidewalks were lined with 
people but they were generally Northern men. 

On the 4th the corps encamped at Manchester, which is a small place on the 
James River opposite Richmond. The bridges had been destroyed, but a pontoon 
bridge connected the two places. From our camp the city of Richmond was in full 
view, especially the Capitol which stands on the highest of the seven hills upon which 
the city is built. The American flag, our own stars and stripes, floated from the 
flag-staff from which but a few days before the rebel banner floated triumphantly in 
the sunset air of heaven. Every eye was strained to catch the first view of Richmond, 
so long the object of our hopes ; of Libby Prison, Castle Thunder, the Capitol, the 
residence of the late Jefferson Davis and the Spottswood House. The Libby Prison 
was visited by thousands of our troops. The notorious Major Dick Turner, the 
infamous Rebel jailor, was confined in the cell in which he so often confined our 
officers. 

Libby is a large tobacco warehouse and, unless it was crowded, would by no 
means be an unpleasant prison. It was crowded, and facilities for keeping clean not 
being afforded, the condition of its inmates was no doubt wretched enough, as the 
condition of all prisoners is, beyond question. Turner was the only prisoner now in 
this once famous prison. As we walked through the rooms, our footsteps resounding 
through the now empty building, one could not but contrast in mind, the difference 
between this and former scenes which had been enacted here. A Union soldier stood 
guard over the former Rebel jailor. Union officers and soldiers with clanking spurs 
and sabres, now walked in freedom where a few weeks since hundreds of Union 
officers mourned in spirit for the freedom which it seemed to them would never come. 

Castle Thunder is an ordinary building and was used for a prison. The 
Capitol is not a grand building, but it is full of historical associations. The 
equestrian statue of Washington in the Capitol grounds, is a noble work of art. — A 
statue of Henry Clay is also a fine one. 

The Spottswood House is a finer building perhaps than any hotel in Detroit. It 
was filled with officers of both the Union and Confederate armies, for you must know 
that Richmond is filled with paroled Rebel officers and soldiers. They wear their 
uniforms and strut about the hotels as big as you please. You find them in the warm 
afternoons, sitting under the trees in the Capitol grounds and drinking their juleps at 
the bars. 

The 6th of the month at early dawn, the bugles sounded, and the Old Army of 
the Potomac prepared for the triumphant march through the Rebel Capital. Here 
and there and everywhere the troops were marching and countermarching, the cavalry 
were dashing to and fro, Aides rode furiously between the different Headquarters, and 
everything betokened a grand gala day for the army. The sun shone splendidly. It 
was just such a day as one would have selected had he been given a choice. At 9 
o'clock the march was to begin and at that hour the tread of the soldiers, the soft 
music floating through the pure air, the gay flags waving in all directions, the bright 
sunshine flashing on the guns of the long lines of infantry, all inspired the mind with 
feelings of pride and satisfaction. 

The Army of the James was drawn up along the streets through which we were 
to march and extended not less than three miles. And now the Army of the Potomac 
enters Richmond and every man treads firmer as he marches through the streets 
along which thousands of Union captives were marched by the Rebels after Bull Run 
and other disastrous fields. How changed ! Then the citizens of Richmond came 
out by thousands to look with pride and triumph upon the long files of captives sent 



THE ARMIES DISBANDED. 3O9 

by the Rebel chiefs to amuse their countrymen. Now the captives are the conquerors, 
and with mailed hands and helmeted heads and the tread of great chiefs, they pass 
through the city, and the great Leader of the Rebel armies, from behind a latticed 
window, views the endless lines of the Union forces ! Shout after shout goes up from 
the Brigades of the Armies of the James as the war-worn veterans of the army file by 
them. We pass by all the noted places in order that the troops may see them. 

Here is Libby, and each soldier bites his lip and grinds his teeth as he marches 
by the place of murders. On we march, and now we are in front of the Capitol, and 
the beautiful Equestrian Statue of the Father of his Country stands out like a living 
reality against the blue sky, the bright sunshine playing upon horse and rider, and 
seeming to give life to both. 

There is the Capitol of the State of Virginia. It was built many, many years 
ago. It is not so old as Westminister Hall or St. Paul, or the Tower of London, but 
from its rostrum have issued forth in other days, an eloquence which thrilled a nation 
of freemen, and inspired men with a warmer devotion to liberty. It has a history. 

Now we are on Franklin street, and opposite the residence of General Lee. It is 
a plain substantial brick dwelling. We are conquerors, but we are not barbarians. 
We rejoice in victory, but we do not insult a fallen enemy. We pass in silence so far 
as speech is concerned, but the sound of martial music and the soft notes of the many 
bands filled the street with patriotic airs. 

We leave the city, and are on the way to Hanover Court House. Every foot of 
the ground between Richmond and Fredericksburg is full of historical associations, 
remote and recent. Here is Hanover Court House, the scene of several severe battles, 
and more noted still as being the place where Patrick Henry, the forest-born 
Demosthenes, first exhibited those wonderful powers of eloquence which electrified 
the continent and sounded the knell of English rule in America. Before we reach 
Hanover Court House, we bivouac on the spot where General Stuart of the Rebel 
army, received his death wound. On all sides are earthworks, rifle pits, trenches, etc. 

On the fourth day after leaving Richmond, we approach Fredericksburg, and 
from a height seven miles in the rear, we catch the first sight of the city. First a spire 
meets the eye, and then the top of a lofty building, and finally the whole city is in full 
view. All are anxious to pass over the memorable battle-field, and the line of march 
is up the Bowling Green Road. There on the hill are the Rebel batteries. Did I say 
batteries? There are the embrasures, but the Rebel and his cannon are gone. 
Stillness as of the Sabbath reigns through all the fields and over all the heights. 

I am anxious to revisit the first battle-field of the " Twenty-fourth," and I leave 
the Brigade and cut across the fields. A negro is ploughing in the field where Hattie 
was killed, but the grave of our first offering to the grim God of War is untouched. 
Humbly, reverently, I dismounted and kneeled by the graves of Hattie and Reed 
and read their half effaced names from the mouldering head-boards. Captain Whiting 
renews the names. We have fought the good fight. We have won the victory. We 
are on our homeward march. These, our first dead, cannot go with us. They sleep 
on the banks of the Rappahannock and we shall see them no more till the Judgment 
Day. 

I saw also the graves of Sergeant Brindle and Corporal Tail who were killed on 
the 30th day of April, 1863. I said to the ploughman, " My good man, in these 
graves sleep brave soldiers who fought for the best and holiest of causes, and gave up 
their lives that their country might live. Respect their graves or in the silent watches 
of the night, their sheetless corpses shall harrow thy soul with fear." He promised 



3IO HISTORY or THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

to respect them and we bade adieu to the resting places of the first martyrs of the 
"Twenty-fourth." 

"Their bodies are dust, their good swords rust, 

And tlieir souls are with the saints, we trust." 

That night our bivouac is on the north bank of the Rappahannock not far from 
where we encamped after we recrossed the river in December, 1862. We crossed the 
river at the identical place where we crossed it on the morning of the I2th of 
December, 1862. Then we were going out to fight ; now we have fought our last 
fight and won our last battle, and we are going home to friends and dear ones. 

It seemed to me as if from this plain, there must stand some of the countless 
throng that crowded it on that memorable 12th day of December. But no, not one. 
Few of that host remain. Some sleep a mile below, some afterwards fell at 
Chancellorsville, some at Gettysburg, some at Mine Run, some in the Wilderness, and 
on every battlefield from the Rapidan to the James, and from the James to 
Appomattox Court House, where Lee finally succumbed, some of those brave spirits 
find resting places. They will come together no more. 

As I sat by the grave of Hattie, I tried to recall the past. I tried to recall to 
mind the scenes of the 13th day of December, 1862. On this identical field, stood 
Speed, and Hutton, and Grace, and Nail, and the other brave oflScers and soldiers who 
have fallen at Gettysburg and elsewhere. Nail sleeps in New Jersey. Speed rests 
near Detroit. Grace lies in the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Hutton is in the 
Wilderness! It was painful to dwell on the theme. Why was I spared? I asked 
myself. Here I was, mounted on the same horse which I rode in the first battle of 
Fredericksburg ! 

I have given you, in a conversational way, an account of our homeward march. 

We are near Arlington, at present, but I think we shall be all out of the service in a 

few days, except perhaps a few of the Veteran Regiments. The Grand 'Review comes 

off next week, and is to be the greatest military display the world ever saw. We are 

making perparations for it. 1 hope the general health of the officers and men is good. 

No doubt you are all looking forward to a speedy return to your homes. Give my 

regards to all. 

Ever your friend, 

HENRY A. MORROW. 

Adjutant Lewis H. Chamherlin, 

Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteers. 

GRAND REVIEW — GRANT'S FAREWELL — CLOSING WEEKS. 

During the week following, the Army of the Potomac and the 
one that had marched with Sherman to the sea, moved in grand 
review through Washington, with proud and streaming battle-flags, 
before the President and chief men of the nation, receiving due 
homage for their patriotic services. In an address by the General- 
in-Chief to the Union soldiers of the nation, he said : 

By your patriotic devotion to your country in the hour of danger and alarm, 
your magnificent fighting, bravery and endurance, you have maintained the 
supremacy of the Union and the Constitution, overthrown all armed opposition to the 
enforcement of the laws and of the proclamation forever abolishing slavery — the cause 



THE ARMIES DISBANDED. 3II 

and pretext of the Rebellion — and opened the way to the rightful authorities to restore 
order, and inaugurate peace on a permanent and enduring basis on every foot of 
American soil. Your marches, sieges, and battles, in distance, duration, resolution, 
and brilliancy of results, dims the lustre of the world's past military achievements, 
and will be the patriot's precedent in defense of liberty and right, in all time to come. 
Victory has crowned your valor, and with the gratitude of your countrymen and the 
highest honors a great and free nation can accord, you will soon return to your homes 
and families. To secure these glorious triumphs, tens of thousands of your gallant 
comrades have fallen, and sealed the priceless legacy with their blood. The graves of 
these, a grateful nation bedews with tears, honors their memories, and will ever 
cherish and support their stricken families. 

The weeks following the Grand Review and farewell address were 
devoted to mustering out the soldiers as rapidly as possible. With 
the surrender of Lee all recruiting offices were closed and no more 
arrivals came to Camp Butler, while the drafted men and substitutes 
there were soon sent home, which lightened the duties of the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan. The closing Aveeks of the Regiment's tarry 
near Springfield, 111., were attended with none of the excitement of 
the field. However, the assassination of Lincoln had its effect upon 
the men — that of profound sorrow. Many of the soldiers wept as at 
the loss of a father. On the occasion of the President's funeral, the 
appearance of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, which formed the principal 
escort added to the pageant and elicited much commendation from 
military men and citizens. The regiment was drilled with especial 
cai-e for the honorable duty, by Major Hutchinson and the company 
officers, and its appearance was at its best, being thoroughly furnished 
with new Iron Brigade black hats, feathers, brasses and white gloves. 
They were soon recognized by Major-General Joseph Hooker, who 
was in attendance and who seemed pleased again to meet the 
Regiment whose acquaintance he had rnade in the early stages of the 
war. Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards commanded the Regiment on the 
occasion. 

The days passed slowly by as the men could count on their 
fingers the weeks they had to serve. Occasionally some long absent 
member would return from Confederate prison or general hospital. 
On the 4th of June two of the new recruits were drowned while 
bathing in the Sangamon River — Thomas Checken and Thomas 
Shanahan. One was drowning and his comrade swam out to his 
assi.stance and both went down in each other's arms. The old story 
that wherever camps are pitched graves are left, proved very true at 
Camp Butler, for twelve of the veterans of the Regiment and 
twenty-five of the new recruits were there mustered out forever and 
found final resting places near this prairie camp. 



312 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

June 1 6th brought orders for the Regiment to proceed to Detroit 
for muster-out. On June 19, at 10:30 a. m., it bade a glad farewell to 
Camp Butler for its last tenting ground, near the banks of the Detroit. 
It reached Fort Wayne soon after daylight of Tuesday, June 20, and 
at 5 o'clock P. M. was welcomed home in the city whence it took its 
departure nearly three years before. — Then, 1,026 men upon its rolls, 
now, less than 200 of those original men. The Free Press thus 
described its arrival : 

Our citizens felt a peculiar gratification, yesterday afternoon, in welcoming to 
their homes the gallant Twenty-fourth Michigan. It is the especial pride of our city 
and county. Of all the brave troops who have gone from our State, few, if any, 
regiments can point to a more brilliant record, to more heroic endurance, to greater 
sacrifices for the perpetuation of the priceless legacy of civil liberty and a wise and 
good government. Few regiments in the service have been through more perilous 
marches and seen more hard fighting. Its losses have been extremely heavy. 
Yesterday an expectant crowd thronged the depot from lo a. m. until the Regiment 
arrived, and the thoroughfares leading to the depot were thronged. By 5 o'clock the 
depot was crammed to excess, and Brush and Atwater streets in the neighborhood 
were a dense mass of human beings As the train rolled into the depot, cheer on 
cheer made the echoes ring again. The Regiment formed in line and proceeded up 
Brush street, escorted by the city band, thence down Jefferson. Here the scene was 
an imposing one. Flags were displayed and many buildings were gaily decorated 
with flags, evergreens and mottoes. Over the entrance to Young Men's Hall were 
the words " Welcome Home." The building of F. Buhl was beautifully decorated 
with flags. The side walks, roofs of buildings and every available place for seeing 
was densely packed with spectators and cheer on cheer went up as the Regiment 
passed along. A conspicuous object in the line was the beautiful flag presented by 
the citizens of Detroit. 

Though the ranks were full, only about two hundred were of the 
original men, distinguished by a red circular patch on the hat, which 
was the badge of the old First Army Corps, to which they formerly 
belonged. Lieutenant-Colonel A. M. Edwards was in command of 
the Regiment which was marched to the freight dock of the Michigan 
Central Depot whence it left for the front just two years, nine 
months and twenty-two days previously from that hour. It was from 
this dock that the immense throng of friends on that sad evening, 
August 29, 1862, watched the steamers that bore them away till they 
were lost to view. Alas, three hundred of those departing friends 
were gone forever, never more to be welcomed home. On this 
memorable spot in our regimental history, tables were spread for 
supper and the returning soldiers were welcomed back by Rev. 
George Taylor and Hon. Theodore Romeyn. Lines were again 
formed and the Regiment proceeded up Jefferson avenue to Detroit 
Barracks. This was its last camping ground and named "Camp 



THE ARMIES DISBANDED. 313 

Crapo " after the Governor of Michigan. Here it awaited its final 
dissolution a few days later. It was met upon its return to Detroit by 
some who had been tarrying in hospitals, prisons and detached 
service, so that, altogether, about two hundred and forty-six original 
members were mustered out with the Regiment. Below we quote 
portions of the closing letter of Sergeant S. D. Green to the Free 
Press, from the Twenty-fourth Michigan, whose correspondent he had 
been from the Regiment while out from home. 

FAREWELL LETTER OF SERGEANT GREEN. 

Camp Crapo, Detroit Barracks, June 29, 1865. 

The Twenty-fourth remembers with gratitude and thanks that through these 
columns during their three years' absence and hard service, their friends at home 
were occasionally informed of their toils and hardships, their marches and campaigns. 
We have heard from lips that love us, during the few happy days that have sped on 
golden wings since Detroit gave us such a glad and cordial welcome eight days ago, 
that hearts were rejoiced at good news in the paper from time to time. That our 
friends may hear once more through this means, we send them words of cheer and 
greeting from this, our last tented camp and field. 

The slow process of the mustering office is approaching the final termination of 
its labors as regards the Twenty-fourth. One company — the unassigned recruits — 
mustered out three days ago, has this afternoon been paid and its members are on 
their way home. Company F was mustered out at noon to-day. It waits only the 
striking of balances by the Paymaster's clerk, and the last roll-call will be to walk up 
to the table and receive their pay. Yet a very few days, and the organization of our 
regiment will be no more. Still, there is no regret. As soldiers, we are no longer 
needed ; as citizens, we return — we who remain — to the quiet avocations of civil life 
and home. 

We hope to return to our places upon the stage of life, some to take high and 
honorable positions among our fellows, others as honorable though more humble 
stations. Already some of our number who, by the casualties of war, were disabled 
and left us early in our term of service, have reached a high and advantageous stand 
from which to start in the battle of busy life. We saw one who graduated with high 
honors yesterday at the University of Michigan in the neighboring and pleasant city 
of Ann Arbor, and when eyes rested upon the empty sleeve that hung by his side, we 
remembered how he won it. Sick and left behind in hospital at Brooke's .Station, 
when the regiment moved forward to Fredericksburg, he pressed onward ne.xt day, 
but failing to find the Twenty-fourth, he went in with the Seventh, charged through 
"that smoking town," and came out maimed for life. And he is but one. You shall 
see them on every hand, yet they do not complain. They have their reward, and some 
there are who, having gone through ten times more and greater dangers, unharmed, 
would fain give something to have been touched that they, too, might bear honorable 
scars. 

Yesterday the regiment had its last dress parade. To-day the arms and 
ordnance stores have been turned over to the proper government officers, and all the 
stately pride of arms is gone from our camp. We still live in tents, such as have been 
our habitation summer and winter for three years. With this, too, this special 
correspondence " from the Twenty-fourth," must have an end. Your correspondent 



314 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

has held pleasant communion with the friends of the regiment through these columns. 
And yet it could not be for any intrinsic merit of those sketches which were sometimes 
gathered from the smoke of battle and from out the dust of hard campaigns, but it 
must be due to the fact that they concerned that regiment upon whose members were 
centered the fondest hopes, and for whose welfare and safety the most fervent prayers 
were offered by friends at home. 

And now to those friends and to the Twenty-fourth we say good bye, but the 
memories that are pleasant shall remain always with 

Their friend and yours, S. D. G. 

FAREWELL ORDER. 

At 5 o'clock P. M. on Wednesday, June 28, occurred the last dress 
parade of the regiment, when the following farewell order was read : 

Headquarters Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteers, } 

Detroit, June 28, 1865. [ 

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 46. 

Officers and Soldiers of the Twenty- fourth Michigan Volunteers : 

You are soon to return to civil life and assume the duties and obligations of 
citizens. 

In taking leave of you and sundering the ties which three years of toil and 
danger have strengthened, I wish to express my warm regard for you personally and 
my high admiration for the noble qualities you have displayed in your career as 
soldiers. 

Your patience, promptness, courage and fidelity, have won for you the praise of 
all your commanders. The story of your exploits will be told in history. In your 
first battle, at Fredericksburg, when only newly enlisted, you established a reputation 
for coolness and gallantry which entitled you to be classed with veterans. In your 
subsequent engagements at Port Royal and Fitzhugh Crossing, at Chancellorsville, 
and on the Westmoreland raid, at Gettysbiyg, Mine Run and the Wilderness, at 
Spottsylvania, North Anna and Bethesda Church, on the Tolopotomoy, at Petersburg, 
on the Weldon Railroad and on the Weldon raid, at Hatcher's Run, and at Dabney's 
Mills, you maintained the high character you had gained, and added fresh laurels to 
j'our already brilliant fame. 

You left Detroit nearly three years ago with a thousand men and thirty-seven 
officers. You return now with less than two hundred of those men and only six of the 
original officers. Every battle-field on which the Army of the Potomac has fought, 
from the first Fredericksburg, to Hatcher's Run, has been moistened with your blood. 
You have never lost a color, but have captured two from the enemy. 

You will soon return to your homes and families, and engage in civil pursuits. 
You can carry with you the sweet reflection that you have done your duty, and a 
restored and happy country will applaud the heroic sacrifices you have made in its 
defense. Let no act of your future life sully the fair name you have won in the field. 
Return to your homes, good and quiet citizens, and follow the arts of peace with the 
same zeal and fidelity you have shown in the field of honor, and happiness and 
prosperity will crown your labors. 

By order of Lieutenant-Colonel 

ALBERT M. EDWARDS. 
L. H. Chamberlin, Lieutenant and Adjutant. 



COMMANDERS OF TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN DURING ABSENCE OF 

COLONEL MORROW. 





LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MARK FLANIGAN. 

(Brevet Brigadier-Geiieial.) 



LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM W. WIGHT. 





LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ALBERT M. EDWARDS. 

(Brevet Colonel.) 



MAJOR WILLIAM HUTCHINSON. 

(Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel.) 



THE ARMIES DISBANDED. 



3^7 



Friday, June 30, 1865, dates the final discharge of the Regiment, 
it having been just two years, ten months and fifteen days from its 
muster-in to its muster-out. 



COMMANDERS OF THE REGIMENT. 

Although the Twenty-fourth Michigan never had but one full 
Colonel, the Regiment was from time to time under the command of 
four other of its officers, while its Colonel was absent on sick leave, 
wounded or in command of the Brigade. These of^cers were Mark 
Flanigan, W. W. Wight, Albert M. Edwards and William Hutchinson, 
who commanded the Regiment at different times as follows. Captain 
Gordon commanding one day: 



1862. 
July 26 to Nov. 4, Colonel Morrow. 
Nov. 4 to Nov. 6, Lt.-Col. Flanigan. 
Nov. 7 to Feb. 9, '63, Colonel Morrow. 

1863. 
Feb. 9 to Feb. 16, Lt.-Col. Flanigan. 
Feb. 16 to Mar. 24, Colonel Morrow. 
Mar. 24 to April 2, Lt.-Col. Flanigan. 
April 2 to June i, Colonel Morrow. 
June I to June 5, Lt.-Col. Flanigan. 
June b to June 7, Colonel Morrow, 
June 7 to June 13, Lt.-Col. Flanigan. 
June 13 to July i, Colonel Morrow. 
July I to July 4, Captain Edwards. 
July 4 to July 14, Colonel Morrow. 
July 14 to Aug. 7, Captain Edwards. 
Aug. 7 to Aug. 21, Colonel Morrow. 
Aug. 21 to Aug. 23, Captain Edwards. 
Aug. 23 to Oct. 10, Colonel Morrow. 
Oct. ID to Dec. 6, Captain Edwards. 
Dec. 6 to Jan. 3, '64, Colonel Morrow. 

1864. 
Jan. 3 to Feb. i, Captain Edwards. 

Thus altogether. Colonel Morrow had command one year four 
months; Lieutenant-Colonel Edwards, one year one month; 
Lieutenant-Colonel Wight, three months; Major Hutchinson, two 
and a half months; Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan, one month, and 
Captain Gordon (nominally) one day. 

THE DRUM STICKS OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH. 

Tiie drum sticks used in the Twenty-fourth Michigan have a 
history reaching far back into days of the Revolution and probably 
much farther could the facts be known. They were found on the 



Feb. I to Feb 28, Lt.-Col. Wight. 
Feb. 28 to Mar. 8, Colonel Morrow. 
Mar. 8 to Mar. 11, Lt.-Col. Wight. 
Mar. II to Mar. 21, Colonel Morrow. 
Mar. 21 to May i, Lt.-Col. Wight. 
May I to May 5, Colonel Morrow. 
May 5 to May 9, Lt.-Col. Wight. 
May 9 to May 22, Major Edwards. 
May 23 to June 9, Lt.-Col. Wight. 
June 9 to Nov. 13, Lt.-Col. Edwards. 
Nov. 13 to Dec. 22, Colonel Morrow. 
Dec. 22to Jan. 17, '65, Maj. Hutchinson. 

1865. 
Jan. 17 to Jan. 20, Lt.-Col. Edwards. 
Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, Colonel Morrow. 
Jan 24 to Mar. 31, Lt.-Col. Edwards. 
Mar. 31 to April 14. Colonel Morrow. 
April 14 to Apr. 25, Lt.-Col. Edwards. 
April 25 tojune 15, Maj. Hutchinson. 
June 16, Captain George C. Gordon. 
June 17 to June 30, Lt.-Col. Edwards. 



3l8 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

battle-field, of Saratoga, or Bemis Heights, October 7, 1777, by the side 
of a dead British Drummer. They were picked up by Lieutenant 
Chase of Morgan's famous South Carolina Rifles, and were presented 
by him to James Parker, a drummer in Chase's Company, by whom 
they were used until the close of the Revolutionary War. He then 
presented them to James Culver, from whom they passed to his son 
David Culver, a drummer in the war of 1812. Culver used them at 
Niagara, Lundy's Lane, and elsewhere in the campaigns of the 
"Second War for Lidependence," and transferred them to his son 
James who was a drummer in the American Army in the Mexican 
War, 1846 to 1848, and by him they were used in the campaign from 
Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. 

Li August 1862, James presented them to his cousin, Anson B. 
Culver who was a drummer in the band of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan Lifantry. He used them from the battle of Fredericksburg, 
December 13, 1862, to the close of the campaign which terminated in 
the terrible conflict at Gettysburg. Li the fall of 1863, Culver 
presented these precious relics to Colonel Morrow, who owned them 
till his death in 1891. Their last war service was in the Grand Review 
of the Union Armies at Washington in 1865, at the close of the 
Rebellion, when they were used in the Band of the Iron Brigade of 
which General Morrow was then commander. They have been 
witnesses of many stirring incidents in our national history, but never, 
in their long career, did they witness grander deeds than when at 
Gettysburg they sounded the advance of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
boys to their immortal work, whose conduct in that battle is a part of 
the brightest chapter in the military annals of the Republic. 

HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE. 

Hospital experience formed a peculiar part of soldier life, known 
only to such as the chances of battle or disease contracted in the field 
compelled to endure. As soon as possible after or during a fight, 
the surgeons began their work. A place was selected near the field to 
which the wounded were brought on stretchers if unable to walk. 
The amputating table was put to use and soon a pile of hands, feet, 
arms and legs accumulated. A row of dead forms might be seen near 
by, of such as had died during the operation. Chloroform, the 
greatest physical blessing to mankind, was used, and limbs were 
severed without the knowledge of the patient, often needlessly, no 
doubt. 



THE ARMIES DISBANDED. 



319 



If possible, the wounded were taken by ambulance, railroad or 
boat to some town or city when the real hospital life began. Churches, 
schoolhouses, colleges and public halls were occupied with the 
wounded, if within a few miles even of a battlefield. Each soldier 
was placed upon a cot and for the first time for months had an easy 




AMPUTATING TABLE. 



bed. He was among strangers whom he had never seen before and a 
myriad of wounded, numbers of whom were dying, for though 
removed from the front, death was still around. He must keep up 
his spirits or homesickness and depression would send him to the grave 
more surely than his wound. 

A more cheerful lot of men were never seen than wounded 
soldiers after a battle, excepting only those who knew their wounds 
were fatal. They were silent. The others were jovial — telling stories 
of the fight and appearing cheerful and happy. This may seeiri 
strange, but each one was thankful that his head was not blown off 
instead of a finger, foot or arm. Calcuations were made how long ere 
they could go home to remain or on furlough, and future plans of life 



320 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

were discussed. With many, their wounds disqualified them from 
their former occupation, and new pursuits must be planned. There 
was no weeping among the mortally wounded. The dying do not 
weep. Those destined to recover were too happy to indulge in tears. 

As the days and nights rolled by, stretchers frequently bore away 
forms whose spirits had flown to another world. Others were carried 
out to undergo a second operation — some never to return alive — died 
on the operating table. Sad scenes were often witnessed. Relatives 
would sometimes arrive in time to see their friends die, and often too 
late. Some craved to be taken home to die, but being told they could 
not go, became resigned to fate. Their lives sped away among 
strangers, perhaps from the breaking open of an artery while asleep or 
even in the midst of a story or meal. 

All dispositions, beliefs, professions, occupations, the learned and 
the unlearned, the vulgar and the well-bred, were here represented. 
Discussions arose on every subject — ethics, religion, politics and every 
polemic topic, which often aroused the combative feelings of the 
patients. Frequently the cripples might be seen raising their crutches 
to strike each other in the heat of debate, when some peacemaker 
Avould calm the disputants, and all regretted their display of passion 
which chiefly resulted from irritability caused by wounds. Checkers 
and other games were played to while away the time and occupy the 
minds of the wounded, for while their attention was thus engaged, 
their pain ceased to annoy them. Happy were they who should 
survive the long and sleepless nights, the occasions of sadness and 
death amid hospital life, and recover to return to duty in the field or 
to friends at home. 

The efforts of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, Sisters of 
Charity and Women's Aid Societies, to alleviate the wants and 
sufferings of the sick and wounded, in hospital and field, deserve a 
remembrance far beyond the dying embers of the last veteran camp 
fire. The acclaim of thousands of sick and wounded will ever praise 
the self-denying services to humanity of those good people whom the 
good angels only can sufficiently reward. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Original Members of the 
Twenty-Fourth Michigan Infantry. 



„,„,, .„_ »,.,,^ NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND . „„,.,^,-^ 

RANK AND NAME. APPOINTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

Field and Staff: 1862. 

Col. Henry A. Morrow. .. .Virginia, 33 Lawyer, Detroit Aug. 15. 

Lt.-Col. Mark Flanigan Ireland, 37 Butcher, Detroit 15. 

Major Henry W. Nall England, 31 Clerk, Detroit Sept. 4. 

Adjt. James J. Barns New York, 30 Journalist, Detroit Aug. 15. 

Quarter Master — 

DiGBY V. Bell, Jr Pennsylvania, 32. .U.S. Cust'm, Detroit July 26. 

Surgeon — 

Dr. John H. Beech New York, 35 Physician, Coldwater. . . . Aug 24. 

Assistant Surgeon — 

Dr. Charles C. Smith N. Hampshire, 34. . Physician, Redford 15. 

Second Assistant Surgeon — 

Dr. Alexander Collar New York, 40 Physician, Wayne 18. 

Chaplain — 

Rev. William C. Way New York, 38 Minister, Plymouth 19. 

N'on- Commissioned Staff. 
Sergeant Major — 

Edwin E. Norton .Michigan, 25 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 16. 

Quartermaster Sergeant — 

Alonzo Eaton New York, 26 Clerk, Detroit 17. 

Commissary Sergeant — 

Gilbert A. Dickey Michigan, 19 Farmer, Marshall 17. 

Hospital Steward — 

Elmer D. Wallace England, 18 Clerk, Detroit July 25. 

Chief Musician — 

James F. Raymond New York, 36 Artist , Detroit Aug. 13. 

Drum Major — 

Daniel B. Nichols Unknown, 49 Unknown, Detroit 17. 

Fife Major — 

Charles Phillips Unknown, 50 Unknown, Detroit 26. 

(21) 

(321) 



322 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN 

COMPANY A. 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND ^^^^ ,t.^T^r^ 

RANK AND NAME. ^^^ RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

Offi-cers : 1862. 

Capt. Edwin B. Wight Detroit, 24 Lumberman, Detroit July 26 

1st Lt. Richard S. Dillon New York, 32 Holder, Detroit 26 

2d Lt. H. Rees Whiting Detroit, 25 Journalist, Detroit 26 

Sergeants : 

1. Barrett B. Holstead New Jersey, 28 .. . .Printer, Detroit 28 

2. William J. Nagle Detroit, 23 Machinist, Detroit 29 

3. Wendell Benster New York, 50 Wheelwright, Ash 26 

4. Oilman Gilson Maine, 37 Ship Carp' r, Detroit Aug. 5 

5. Edward B. Wilkie Detroit, 20 Machinist, Detroit 12 

Corporals : 

1. Hyacinth Clarke Ireland, 25 Laborer, Detroit. . . July 30 

2. Augustus F. Ziegler Detroit, 18 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 4 

3. Menzo M. Benster Michigan, 22 Miller, Ash 9 

4. William C. Bates Detroit, iS Clerk, Detroit 12 

5. George A. McDonald Walpole I'd, 20. . . .Sailor, Detroit July 28 

6. Mark T. Chase Canada, 26 Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 4 

7. Fred'k A. Hanstien Detroit. i8 . . Shoemaker, Grosse Pte. . . .July 26 

8. Alfred Rentz Switzerland, 22. . . .Tinsmith, Detroit Aug. 8 

Bugler — 

George M. Kemp .Monroe Co., 20. . . .Farmer, Exeter 8 

Drummer — 

George F. Hamilton New York, 18.. .... Sailor, Detroit July 26 

Wagoner — 

Nelson Oakland Canada, 37 Calker, Detroit Aug. 7 

Privates : 

Harrison Baker New York, 30 Carpenter, Flat Rock 9 

Solomon S. Benster Michigan, 18 Machinist, Ash 2 

Christopher Beahm Germany, 18 Farmer, Springwells July 24 

Wm. H. Blanchard. New York, 20 Farmer, Flat Rock Aug. 6 

Herman Blankertz Germany, iS Clerk, Detroit July 25 

Philip Blissing New York, 36 Farmer, Ash Aug. 12 

Frank Brennon " 22 Hatter, Detroit July 31 

Francis Brobacker France, 45 Laborer, Detroit Aug. i 

Roderick Broughton Ohio, 26 Farmer, Flat Rock 4 

Harvey J. Brown New York, 28 Painter, Holly 12 

Dennis Carroll Ireland, 23 Farmer, Wayne Co 12 

Joseph Carroll Chicago, 21 Sailmaker, Detroit 11 

Oscar N. Castle Oakland, 27 Farmer, Wayne Co 12 

John Chandler Tennessee, iS Gilder, Detroit 12 

Garrett Chase Brownstown, 27. . .Farmer, Brownstown 7 

Jonathan D. Chase " 20. . .Farmer, Brownstown 4 

Charles Conlisk Monroe Co., 23. . . .Farmer, Ash 6 

Max Couture Detroit, 21 Mason, Detroit 7 

John S. Coy, Jr Ohio, 20 Mason, Lexington 4 

Dexter B. Crosby Livonia, 25 Farmer, Groveland 12 

Lewis Cummons New York, 18 Farmer, Wayne Co July 28 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 323 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ^^^ RESrDENCE. ENLISTED. 

Christopher Daniels Ireland, 24 Laborer, Detroit Aug. 12 

Alexis DeClaire Belgium, 19 Tailor, Detroit 7 

George Dingwall New York, 18 Farmer, Wayne Co 11 

John Dingwall " 20 Farmer, Wayne Co 11 

Charles Dubois Detroit, 23 Mason, Detroit 8 

William Dusick Bohemia, 20 Cabinetmaker, Detroit July 29 

George Eldridge New York, 18 Farmer, Redford 29 

Daniel F. Ellsworth Lenawee Co., 18. . .Farmer, Cambridge Aug. 5 

Charles Fellratt Wayne Co., 18 . . . .Tinsmith, Detroit 9 

Jacob Fischer Germany, 44 Saddler, Detroit 8 

Charles W. Fuller New York, 25 Clerk, Detroit 8 

Peter N. Girardin Detroit, 19 Ship carp'r, Detroit July 24 

Patrick Gorman Ireland, iS Farmer, Ash Aug. 12 

Ignace Haltar Wurtemburg, 21. . .Tinsmith, Detroit July 26 

Henry Hanstien Wisconsin, 20 Blacksmith, Grosse Pte. . . .Aug. 8 

John Happe Prussia, 29 Laborer, Detroit 4 

James P. Horen Monroe Co., 23. . . .Farmer, Exeter 12 

Lewis E. Johnson Canada, iS Laborer, Detroit July 30 

Augustus Jenks New York, 40 Farmer, Ash Aug. 12 

Stephen Kavanaugh Grosse Isle, 22. . . .Farmer, Exeter 12 

William Kendall Detroit, 18 Molder, Detroit 12 

Charles Lature " 18 Woodturner, Detroit 7 

Anthony Long Prussia 23 Farmer, Wayne Co 12 

Thomas Mercer New York, 19 Steward, Detroit., 9 

George A. Moores Monroe Co., 22. .. .Staveworker, Ash 9 

Michael Moren Germany, 34 Laborer, Detroit 6 

James Murphy .Monroe Co. ,'20. . . .Farmer, Exeter 6 

Walter S. Niles New York, 20 Laborer, Lexington 4 

Barnard Parish Monroe Co., 24. . . Farmer, Ash 6 

Albert Peyscha Bohemia, 20 Locksmith, Detroit July 29 

Robert Phillips Michigan, 21 Farmer, Tuscola Aug. 7 

Alexander G. Picard Detroit, 23 Painter, Detroit 11 

Frank Picard Canada, 24 Carpenter, Detroit 6 

Stephen Prairie Monroe Co., 22. . . .Farmer, Ash 6 

Charles Quandt Germany, 28 Farmer, Hamtramck 6 

William Rouseau New York, 21 Sailor, Detroit July 31 

Jacob Schlag Germany, 38 Wagonmaker, Detroit.,. . . .Aug. 12 

Abraham Schneiter " 18 Butcher, Detroit i 

John Schubert Saxony, 39 Blacksmith, Detroit 5 

John Schlittler Switzerland, 30. . . .Shoemaker, Detroit 5 

Anthony Silva Put-in-Bay, 34 Sailor, Detroit July 26 

Augustus R. Sink Germany, 19 Laborer, Detroit Aug. 11 

William W. Smith New York, 28 Carpenter, Ash 6 

James K. Soults Ireland, 39 Merchant, Detroit July 30 

Herman Stehfest Saxony, 25 Wagonmaker, Detroit Aug. 5 

John Sterling Ohio, 21 Farmer, Girard 2 

Alexander Stewart Canada, 26 Mechanic, Detroit 7 

Victor Sutter, jr France, 19 Silversmith, Detroit 8 



324 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ENLISTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

William Thompson New York, 18. . . . Sailor, Monroe Aug. 11 

Michael Tiernay Ireland, 23 Foundryman, Detroit July 23 

Hugh F. Vanderlip Niles, 23 Machinist, Detroit Aug. 11 

Lewis L. Wadsworth Redford, 20 Machinist, Detroit 11 

Thomas A. Wadsworth " iS Tinsmith, Detroit 11 

David Wagg England, 35 Laborer, Detroit 7 

Philip Weitz Germany, 25 Laborer, Detroit. . .^ 8 

Charles Willaird " 21 Laborer, St. Johns 11 

Robert Wortley. Canada, 25 Laborer, Detroit 11 

Francis Wright .Detroit, 18 Farmer, Wyandotte 11 

Andrew Wright New York, 21 Farmer, Monroe Co 11 

William Ziegler Detroit, 23 Tinsmith, Detroit 4 

George Zulch Germany, 34 Laborer, Detroit 4 

COMPANY B. 

Officers: 1862. 

Capt. Isaac W. Ingersoll England, 50 Builder, Detroit July 26 

1st Lt. Wm. H. Rexford Napoleon, 26 Lawyer, Detroit 26 

2d Lt. F. Augustus Buhl Detroit, ig Student, Detroit 26 

Se7'geants : 

1. John Witherspoon Canada, 22 Printer, Detroit 24 

2. Andrew J. Price Detroit, 25 Plumber, Detroit 24 

3. George H. Pinkney Pennsylvania, 2g. .Molder, Wyandotte Aug. 12 

4. John J. Duryea Long Island, 21 . . .Printer, Detroit July 24 

5. George Cline Germany, 29 Cigarmaker, Detroit 24 

Corporals: 

1. Martin L. Peavy New York, 2g Cooper, Detroit Aug. r 

2. Robert Gibbons " 23 Printer, Detroit July 24 

3. James R. Havens N. Hampshire, 35. .Joiner, Trenton Aug. 2 

4. Chas. H. McConnell Ireland, 21 Printer, Detroit July 24 

5. John M. Reed Ohio, 29 Cigarmaker, Detroit 25 

6. Samuel W. Church Dexter, 23 Printer, Detroit 24 

7. James S. Booth Canada, 20 Printer, Detroit : 29 

8. John C. Alvord Grosse Isle, 24. . . .Farmer, Trenton Aug. 9 

Musicians — 

Herman Krumbach Detroit, 15 Plumber, Detroit July 24 

John H. Pardington England, 23 Clerk, Trenton Aug. 6 

Wagoner — 
David Walce Germany, 44 Teamster, Detroit July 29 

Privates: 

Duncan S. Alexander New York, 23 Sawyer, Wyandotte Aug. 11 

Andrew J. Arnold " 30 Blacksmith, Detroit 3 

Leander Bauvere Detroit, 24 Sailor, Trenton 12 

Asa W. Brindle Pennsylvania, 22. .Clerk, Wyandotte 11 

Lewis A. Baldwin Ohio, 31 Farmer, Wyandotte 11 

Francis Baysley Connecticut, 21 ... .Laborer, Wyandotte 11 

John Black ••••... .Scotland, 38 Ropemaker, Detroit.- 9 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 325 

,3,x,L- ,M.^ x,A,,Tr NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK ANJD NAME. . ENLISTED 

AGE. RESIDENCE. r-.M-isiCL.. 

Henry Brown Canada, 19 Foundryman, Wyandotte. .Aug. 11 

Willetc Brown New York, 25 Miller, Detroit July 30 

Amander G. Barns " 17 Printer, Detroit Aug. 13 

Anson B. Culver " 30 Musician, Detroit 12 

Thomas Coope England, 41 Carpenter, Detroit July 29 

Err Cady New York, 21. . . . .Butcher, Trenton Aug. 9 

William Carroll Ireland, 24 Waiter, Detroit July 26 

Edward B. Chope Sylvan, 22 Painter, Detroit Aug. 8 

Edward Carbrey New York, 27 Farmer, Wayne Co g 

Richard Conners Detroit, 20 Spicemiller, Detroit July 28 

Benjamin H. Con well New York, 39 Iron-worker, Wyandotte. . .Aug. 11 

Frederick Delosh Deerfield, 19 Iron-worker, Wyandotte... 12 

Mathevv Duncan Scotland, 30 Unknown, Detroit July 24 

Clark Davis New York, 27 Laborer, Greenfield Aug. 9 

Samuel Davis Detroit, 18 Dairyman, Detroit July 28 

John R. Donaldson Ohio, 26 Ironheater, Wyandotte Aug. 11 

Edward Dwyer Ireland, 20 Spicemiller, Detroit July 28 

Oscar A. Eckliff New York City, 28. Carpenter, Detroit Aug. 5 

Joseph French England, 18 Printer, Detroit July 25 

Henry M. Fielding New York, 24 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 5 

William H. Fowler Canada, 20 Boxmaker, Detroit g 

Christopher Gero Switzerland, 21. . . .Furrier, Detroit July 24 

George H. Graves Connecticut, 30... Clerk, Detroit Aug. S 

William Hicks Ireland, 23 Tailor, Detroit 5 

Lionel B. Hartt Vermont, 30 Teacher, Detroit 6 

James Hanmer, jr Detroit, 19 Tobacconist, Detroit July 28 

Charles Henson England, 38 Bootmaker, Greenfield Aug. 9 

John Hackett Ireland, 23 Sailor, Detroit 13 

Frank Hicks Wayne Co., 28. . . .Ironheater, Wyandotte 11 

George F. Higbee Connecticut, 43. . .Sailor, Detroit July 31 

Robert Henry Ireland, 26 Carpenter, Detroit . 23 

Nathaniel A. Halstead Canada, 20 Farmer, Trenton Aug. 12 

Henry B. Hudson Michigan, 20 Merchant, Trenton 9 

Franz Koch Germany, 25 Baker, Chicago 9 

Anton Krapohl " 27 Book-keeper, Ann Arbor. . . g 

Jacob Klinck " 18 Laborer, Detroit July 30 

William Lloyd Pontiac, 31 Farmer, Wyandotte Aug. 12 

Arthur G. Lynch " 18 Farmer, Greenfield 2 

Joseph J. Lucas England, 50 Carpenter, Detroit July 24 

Richard Ladore Ann Arbor, 19 . . . .Cooper, Detroit Aug. i 

James McKnight Canada, 19 Chainmaker, Wyandotte. . . 11 

Alonzo C. Mercer New York, 20 Printer, Detroit July 31 

Richard Maloney Ireland, 38 Laborer, Detroit 30 

John McCutcheon New York, 23. . . .Printer, Detroit 29 

Terrence McCullough Ireland, 21 Barkeeper, Detroit 29 

John McCrudden England, ig Miller, Trenfon Aug. 6 

Joseph E. McConnell Ireland, 18 Printer, Detroit not must'd 

James Mcllhiny " 21 Miller, Trenton Aug. 6 



326 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ^^^ RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

Henry C. McDonald Scotland, 29 Farmer, Brownstown. . . '. . Aug. 13 

William W. Macard Illinois, 41 Fruitdealer, Detroit 12 

Arthur Macy Massachusetts, 20. Printer, Detroit 13 

Daniel Mara Ireland, 20 Spicemiller, Detroit July 28 

Patrick Melone " 20 Laborer, Dearborn Aug. 11 

Charles D. Minckler Germany, 28 Carpenter, Detroit 9 

James T. Newington New York, 27 Carpenter, Wyandotte 13 

Thomas Nixon Ireland, 32 Farmer, Oakland 12 

Daniel O'Beere " 26 Laborer, Detroit 11 

Timothy O'Connor " iS Ostler, Detroit July 29 

James Pender " 19 Ironworker, Wyandotte. . . . Aug. 12 

Thomas Potter " 27 Farmer, Wayne Co July 25 

John S. Rider Detroit, 23 Mason, Detroit Aug. 12 

James Roach New York, 29 Cigarmaker, Detroit July 25 

Edward A. Raynor " 30 Molder, Dundee Aug. 9 

David Reed Ireland, 20 Farmer, Hamtramck 9 

Andrew Simmons Flint, 23 Engineer, Wyandotte 13 

William Smith 1st England, 24 Sailor, Detroit 5 

William Smith 2d New York, 22 Ferryman, Trenton 11 

Daniel Sullivan Ireland, 27 Mason, Detroit 11 

Patrick Shannon " 27 Mason, Detroit July 25 

Morris Troutt Canada, 19 Laborer, Wyandotte Aug. 12 

James Tyrill Ohio, 43 Laborer, Wyandotte 11 

Lafayette Veo Canada, 23 Farmer, Trenton 6 

Jeston R. Warner Newport, 26 Sawyer, Wyandotte 11 

Henry Wallace Ohio, 35 Shoemaker, Port Huron... 11 

Nathan Way New York, 44 Carpenter, Detroit 12 

William Williams 'England, 30 Weaver, Dearborn 9 

Elisha Wheeler New York, 30 Cooper, Detroit 13 

William H. Wills " 27 Farmer, Wyandotte 11 



COMPANY C. 

Officers: 1862. 

Capt. Calvin B.Crosby New York, 32 Merchant, Plymouth July 26 

1st Lt. Charles A. Hoyt New York, 35 Farmer, Plymouth 26 

2d Lt. WiNFiELD S. Safford .... Canton, 21 Farmer, Plymouth 26 

Sergeants : 

1. Charles Westfall New York, 26 ... .Sawyer, Plymouth Aug. 5 

2. Lucius L. Shattuck Plymouth, 25 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

3. Augustus Pomeroy New York, 25 Farmer, Salem 8 

4. Willard Roe Plymouth, 24 Joiner, Plymouth 8 

5. Asa Joy Redford, 22 Miller, Plymouth 6 

Corpotals : 

1. Abel G. Peck Connecticut, 42. . . .Farmer, Nankin 6 

2. Oscar N. Loud New York, 28 Molder, Plymouth 9 

3. William E. Sherwood New York, 27 Agent, Plymouth 12 

4. James Gillespie Plymouth, 25 . . . .Farmer, Plymouth 9 



ORIGINAL MEMIiERS. 327 

„ .X,.- .V... X,.,.,. NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ^^^ RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

5. Daniel McPherson Oakland, 24 Farmer, Plymouth Aug. q 

6. DeWitt C. Taylor New York, 36 Carpenter, Plymouth 5 

7. Clark Eddy New York, 19 Farmer, Plymouth 12 

8. Charles Pinkerton Novi, 22 Farmer, Plymouth 9 

Musician — 

Charles A. Phillips Maine, 15 Student, Detroit 25 

Wagoner — 

Nelson H. May New York City, 28. .Town officer, Plymouth .... 5 

Privates : 

D. Leroy Adams Plymouth, 28 Farmer, Canton 6 

Thomas A. Armstrong New York, 21 Farmer, Livonia 9 

William H. Brigham Wayne Co., 21. . . .Farmer. Plymouth 5 

Benjamin F. Brigham Livonia, 32 Mason, Plymouth 5 

Charles Burr Plymouth, 22 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

Forest C. Brown New York, 25 Farmer, Livonia g 

John A. Bartlett Vermont, 25 Farmer, Canton 3 

Thomas B. Ballou Nankin, 22 Farmer, Nankin 5 

William W. Barton New York, 44 Farmer, Livonia 9 

John W. Babbitt New York, 29 Farmer, Salem 9 

Oscar N. Baker New York, 23 Farmer, Plymouth 9 

Alfred Courtrite New York, 20 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

Charles H. Coggswell New York, 27 Farmer, Plymouth 14 

George L. Coggswell New York, 24 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

Am mi R. Collins Flint, ig Laborer, Plymouth 5 

Norman Collins New York, 24 Carpenter, Plymouth 6 

Edward M. Cory New York, 37 Carpenter, Plymouth 5 

James B. Crosby New York, 35 Farmer, Livonia 6 

Roswell B. Curtiss Nankin, 21 Farmer, Nankin 8 

Charles D. Durfee Livonia, 20 Farmer, Plymouth 9 

Edgar O. Durfee Livonia, 19 Farmer, Plymouth 8 

Henry C. Dennis Livonia, 26 Farmer, Salem 8 

Ezra E. Derby Nankin, 22 Farmer, Canton 9 

John M. Doig Salem, 23 Farmer, Salem 8 

Charles R. Dobbins Canada, 18 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

Robert Everson ... Maine, 28 Filemaker, Plymouth 9 

Watson W. Eldridge New York, ig Farmer, Livonia 9 

Samuel W. Foster England, 25 , Farmer, Livonia 5 

Sebri H. Fairman Canton, 24 Farmer, Plymouth 7 

Jacob Farley New York, 27.. . . Farmer, Livonia 9 

James T. Gunsolly Plymouth, 18 Clothdresser, Plymouth. . . 7 

Charles H Holbrook Plymouth, 28 Laborer, Plymouth 5 

Hiram W. Hughes New York, 18 Laborer, Plymouth 9 

William F. Hughes Canada, 26 Blacksmith, Plymouth 5 

Aiken HoUoway New York, 36.. .. Painter, Plymouth 13 

George W. Hoysington New York, 36 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

Alvah S. Hill New York, 36 Farmer, Canton 5 

Wm. A. Herrendeen Plymouth, 21 Blacksmith, Plymouth 8 

Alfred W. Hanmer New York, 23 Blacksmith, Plymouth 9 



328 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND _ ^^^ 

RANK AND NAME. ^^^_ RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

George P. Hubbell New York, 20 Farmer, Nankin Aug. 9 

Bela C. Ida New York, 20 Blacksmith, Plymoutli 8 

Samuel Joy Redford, ig Miller, Plymouth 9 

John H. Janes New York, 26 Farmer, Salem 8 

Oliver C. Kelley Northville, 20. . . . Farmer, Plymouth 5 

George W. Kynoch Detroit, 27 Farmer, Plymouth 7 

William Kells New York, 20 Farmer, Salem 9 

James M. Loud New York, 32 Laborer, Plymouth 5 

Bristol A. Lee Plymouth, 25 Laborer, Plymouth 9 

William A. Lewis New York, 37 Farmer, Plymouth 9 

Andrew B. Lanning Plymouth. 20 Blacksmith, Nankin 9 

Alonzo B. Markham Plymouth, 19 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

James McKee Ireland, 24 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

Joshua Minthorn New York, 28 Carpenter, Plymouth 5 

William McLaughlin New York, 35 Mason, Plymouth 7 

Calvin Maxfield New York, 23 Blacksmith, Plymouth 8 

John C. Marshall New York, 31 Blacksmith, Plymouth 8 

Alfred Noble Livonia, 18 Farmer, Livonia 9 

Nelson Pooler Maine, 18 Farmer, Canton 5 

John Passage, jr Plymouth, 27 Farmer, Plymouth 8 

Samuel W. Phillips Rhode Island, 21 . .Farmer, Salem 8 

William H. Quance Canada, 21 Farmer, Salem 9 

John E. Ryder Livonia, 19 Farmer, Livonia 9 

Ambrose Roe Plymouth, 22 Fa;rmer, Plymouth 5 

Roswell L. Root Plymouth, 21 Book-keeper, Plymouth. ... 12 

Charles W. Root Plymouth, 24 Saloonkeeper, Plymouth. . . 9 

Joseph A. Safford Canton, 21 Farmer, Canton 13 

David B. Stevens New York, 19 Farmer, Canton 5 

Otis South worth New York, 28 Engineer, Plymouth 9 

Christian Stockfleth Germany, 32 Laborer, Plymouth 7 

James S. Seeley New York, 35 Farmer, Plymouth 8 

Frank T. Stewart '. .New York, iS Shoemaker, Plymouth 8 

John A. Sherwood New York, 31 Joiner, Nankin 9 

George W. Soper New York, 27 Joiner, Plymouth 9 

Robert Towers England, 36 Shoemaker 7 

William U. Thayer Plymouth, 21 Farmer, Plymouth '. . . 9 

Ralph G. Terry Canada, 30 Farmer, Plymouth. 9 

Abraham Velie New York, 20 Laborer, Plymouth 5 

Orson Westfall Plymouth, 23 Laborer, Plymouth 5 

Alfred C. Willis Plymouth, 18 Laborer, Plymouth 5 

George R. Welsh New York, 29 Farmer, Plymouth 6 

Minot S. Weed Salem, 18 Farmer, Plymouth 9 

William H. Whallon New York, 27 Farmer, Plymouth 13 

COMPANY D. 

Officers: 

Capt. Wm. J. Speed New York, 31 Lawyer, Detroit July 26 

1st Lt. John M. Farland New York, 27 Teacher, Dearborn 26 

2d Lt. Charles C. Yemans New York, 28 Minister, Redford 26 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 329 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. „ ENLISTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

Sergeants : 

1. George W. Haigh New York, 23 Farmer, Dearborn Aug. 12 

2. Francis Raymond, jr Detroit, ig Book-keeper, Detroit Jul.v 24 

3. E. Ben. Fischer Michigan, 21 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 12 

4. Charles A. King New York, 2g Carpenter, Detroit 8 

5. George E. Moore Dearborn, 20 Farmer, Dearborn ... 7 

Corporals: 

1. Orin D. Kingsley Ohio, 20 Farmer, Romulus 13 

2. William F. Hicks New York, 22 Farmer, Wayne Co 2 

3. Jabez Walker England, 27 Cooper, Detroit July 24 

4. George W. Chrouch New York, 19 Teacher, Dearborn 19 

5. Joseph Eberle Canada, 24 Shoemaker, Canton Aug 13 

6. George W. Segar Redford, 30 Carpenter, Dearborn 4 

7. Andrew C. Chamberlin Ash, 19 Farmer, Flat Rock 13 

8. William Funke Germany, iS Cigarmaker, Detroit ]u\\ 24 

Fifer — 

Anthony Thelan Germany, 29 Tinsmith, Detroit 31 

Drummer — 
Henry D. Chilson Huron, 16 Farmer, \^an Buren Aug. 8 

Wagoner — 
John Ham ley England, 36 Carpenter, Detroit 7 

Privates: 

Amos Abbott Canada, 31 Farmer, Romulus 8 

John M. Andres Germany, 22 Blacksmith, Detroit 8 

Persons H. Brace New York, 20 Farmer, Redford 7 

Peter C. Bird Romulus, 21 Farmer, Romulus 12 

Robert C. Bird Romulus, iS Farmer, Romulus i 

James N. Bartlett Plymouth, 23 Farmer, Nankin 13 

Henry Babcock Canada, 18 Wagon maker. Canton 13 

Henry S. Baker Connecticut, 38. . ..Civil Engineer, Detroit. .. .July 29 

Ludovico Bowles Bruce, 23 Farmer, Wayne Co Aug. 12 

Abram F. Burden Lima, 20 Farmer, Lima 12 

Orson B. Curtis Nankin, 21 Student, Wayne 12 

Clark Chase New York, 37 Laborer, Wayne 5 

Sirel Chilson . . Huron, 19 Teacher, Van Buren 5 

Eliphalet Carleton Canton, 19 Farmer, Canton 5 

Reuben Cory New York, 25 Farmer, Romulus 12 

George H. Cheney Dearborn, 25 Farmer, Dearborn 7 

Francis Demay Dearborn, 18 Farmer, Dearborn 5 

John Danbert Germany, 20 Gasfitter, Detroit 13 

John Dwyer Romulus, 17 Farmer, Romulus 8 

Richard Downing England, 35 Farmer, Dearborn 12 

Anthony Eberts Germany, 20 Blacksmith, Detroit 6 

Joseph Funke Germany, 20. ... . .Mason, Detroit 12 

John Groth Germany, iS Laborer, Detroit July 25 

Thomas Hall England, 45 Laborer, Springwells Aug. 12 

Merritt Heath Van Buren, 21 Laborer, Belleville 13 

Almon J. Houston Ohio, 22 Blacksmith, Wayne 2 



330 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

„.,,„ .„^ „.,.^ NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ENLISTED 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

William H. Houston Ohio, 19 Blacksmith, Wayne Aug. 13 

Shepherd L. Howard Massachusetts. 31 . .Engineer, Dearborn 12 

Oliver Herrick Vermont, 45 Farmer, Dearborn 7 

Draugott Haberstrite Saxony, 21 Farmer, Dearborn 4 

William Hall New York, 26 Farmer, Romulus 8 

Frank Heig Germany, 45 Weaver, Detroit July 24 

William H. Jackson New York, 20 . . . .Laborer, Wayne Aug 13 

James H. Johnson Wayne, ig Farmer, Dearborn 5 

Conrad Kocher New York, 24 Shoemaker, Detroit July 25 

John H. Kingsley New York, 23 Farmer, Romulus Aug. 12 

Samuel R. Kingsley, jr Ohio, 19 Farmer, Romulus 8 

Jacob Kaiser Germany, 22 Blacksmith, Detroit 11 

William B. Knapp New York, 24. . . . .Student, Detroit 7 

George H. Lang Canton, 22 Farmer, Canton 13 

Peter F. Lantz Germany, 26 Laborer, Dearborn 7 

Henry H. Ladd Dearborn, 21 Farmer, Dearborn. .- 7 

James Lindsay Scotland, 42' Carpenter, Detroit July 28 

John Moody Dearborn, 21 Farmer, Dearborn Aug. 9 

Fernando W. Moon Van Buren, 21 . . . .Farmer, Bellville 8 

Oliver M. Moon Van Buren, 23 Farmer, Bellville 11 

Walter Morley England, 40 Painter, Detroit 15 

Henry H. Mills Oakland, 21 Jeweller, Bellville 12 

John Neuman England, iS Farmer, Red ford 13 

Wm. T. Nowland Huron, 24 Farmer, Huron 13 

Michael O'Brien Ireland, 23 Farmer, Dearborn 6 

John Orth Germany, 22 Cooper, Detroit July 24 

Robert Polk England, 33 Farmer, Redford Aug. 2 

Alexander Purdy Dearborn, 19 Farmer, Dearborn 7 

Theodore Palmer Dearborn, 25 Farmer, Dearborn 7 

Mason Palmer Dearborn, 22 Farmer, Dearborn 7 

Richard Palmer Dearborn, 21 Farmer, Dearborn 12 

Henry Palmer Dearborn, 24 Farmer, Dearborn 12 

James Palmer .Dearborn, 21 Farmer, Dearborn 12 

George L. Packard Wayne Co , 18 . . . .Laborer, Wayne 13 

George B. Parsons England, 44 Tinsmith, Detroit July 25 

James Renton Scotland, 24 Farmer, Van Buren Aug. 11 

John Renton Scotland, 20 Farmer, Van Buren 11 

Charles Ruff Dearborn, 19 Farmer, Dearborn 8 

Horace Rofe Grosse Isle, 21 . . . .Farmer, Grosse Isle 13 

Henry W. Randall New York, 22 Farmer, Birmingham 4 

William M. Ray New York, 30 Farmer, Canton 8 

Andrew Rich New York, 19 Farmer, Canton 12 

Lorenz Raizer Germany, 18 Shoemaker, Detroit July 25 

George P. Roth Germany, 37 Tailor, Detroit 25 

David E. Rounds Dearborn, 21 Farmer, Nankin Aug. 12 

Andrew Strong Germany, 26 Farmer, Dearborn 12 

James Sterling Canton, 23 Farmer, Canton 12 

Melvin H. Storms Chicago, 21 Farmer, Nankin 11 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 33 1 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AMD NAME. ^^^^ RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

William W. Sands New York, 26 Carpenter, Bellville Aug. il 

Newell Stevens Canton, 17 Farmer, Canton 11 

John Stange Germany, 18 Mason, Detroit 6 

Peter Stack Germany, 18 Cigarmaker, Detroit July 24 

John B. Turney Dearborn, 23 Machinist, Dearborn Aug. 12 

Aldrich Townsend Romulus, 24 Farmer, Romulus 7 

Albert A. Wallace Dearborn, 20 Farmer, Dearborn 5 

Jesse R. Welch New York, 28 Carpenter, Dearborn 5 

George Wetterich Germany, 24 Laborer, Detroit 11 



COMPANY E. 

Officers: 1862. 

Capt. James Cullen Ireland, 41 Contractor, Detroit July 26 

1st Lt. John J. Lennon Ireland, 26 Clerk, Detroit 26 

2d Lt. Malachi J. O'DoNNELL. .Ireland, 24 Printer, Detroit 26 

Sergeants : 

1. John Galloway Ireland, 23 Printer, Detroit 21 

2. Timothy Finn Ireland, 23 Printer, Detroit 21 

3. Patrick W. Nolan Detroit, 19 Tinsmith, Detroit Aug. 4 

4. Rice F. Bond Vermont, 32 Jeweler, Detroit July 23 

5. Michael Dempsey New York, 31 Printer, Detroit 21 

Corporals : 

1. Amos C. Rodgers Vermont, 40. Carpenter, Detroit 24 

2. John Blackwell Ireland, 19 Blacksmith, Detroit Aug. 11 

3. Frederick Wright England, 21 Tailor, Detroit July 31 

4. John Hogan Ireland, 23 .Laborer, Detroit .Aug. 8 

5. Michael Finn Ireland, 27 Gardener, Detroit 9 

6. John McDermott Ireland, 21 Plumber, Detroit ]\x\y 24 

7. Eugene Smith Sandwich, 19 Blacksmith, Detroit 25 

8. John W. Fletcher New York, 18 Engineer, Detroit 25 

Fifer — 

James Kidd Scotland, 18 Baker, Detroit 24 

Drummer — 
Charles E. Pascoe Long Island, 18. . . Baker, Detroit 23 

Wagoner — 
James M. Bullard New York, 41 Shoemaker, Detroit 23 

Privates : 

Harvey Allen New York City, 21. .Laborer, Romulus Aug. 5 

Moses Amo Ash, 19 Farmer, Wayne Co 11 

Sidney P. Bennett Michigan, 25 Unknown, Unknown July 30 

Joseph R. Boyle Ireland, 26 Printer, Detroit 22 

George Brott Dis't Columbia, 40. .Shoemaker, Detroit Aug. 5 

Charles Bellore Canada, 31 Laborer, Detroit ' 11 

Thomas Brennon Ireland, 18 Molder, Detroit July 23 

William Bruskie Prussia, 19 Farmer, Nankin Aug. 5 

Thomas Burns Ireland, 27 Laborer, Detroit 14 



332 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ENLISTED. 

AGE. RE.SIDENCE. 

Henry Conrad Bavaria, 45 Laborer, Detroit July 28 

Michael Cavanaugh Ireland, 35 Laborer, Detroit Aug. 2 

Patrick Coffee Ireland, 29 Laborer, Detroit 4 

Cornelius Crimmins Detroit, ig Boilermaker, Detroit July 25 

Lucius W Chubb Nankin, 19 Farmer, Nankin Aug. 5 

Arthur S. Congdon Sylvan, 23 Farmer, Chelsea 13 

Patrick Conlon Ireland, 23 Sailor, Detroit 7 

Gilbert A. Dickey ( N. C. S.). . . .Michigan, 19 Farmer, Marshall 12 

Louis Dale Sweden, 38 Sailor, Detroit 4 

Martin Devine .. .Ireland, 41 Trader, Detroit July 24 

James Dee Ireland, 23 Laborer, Detroit 28 

Dennis Dry den Ireland, 18 Blacksmith, Detroit Aug. 11 

Stephen Delorme New York, 24 Painter, Detroit 4 

Patrick G. DoUard Ireland, 28 Varnisher, Detroit 13 

James Doyle New York City, 22. .Carpenter, Detroit July 28 

Owen Donovan Ireland, 23 Engineer, Detroit Aug. 18 

Alonzo Eaton (N. C. S.) New York, 26 Clerk, Detroit 11 

Thomas D. Ellston England, 20 Painter, Detroit 11 

Carl Ellis New York, 29 Sailor, Detroit July 26 

John Frank Detroit, 23 Painter, Detroit Aug. 5 

William Floyd Canada, 26 Boilermaker, Detroit 4 

Patrick Fury Ireland, 24 Carpenter, Detroit 14 

Robert Gaunt Hamtramck, 24. .. Laborer, Detroit 12 

Lewis Grant Scotland, 32 Sailor, Detroit 4 

John Grabriel Switzerland, 42. . . .Farmer, Wayne Co July 31 

Thomas Gibbons Ireland, 44 Peddler, Detroit 25 

Isaac L. Greusel New York, 18 Laborer, Springwells Aug. 12 

Joseph Green England, 18 Musician, Detroit 13 

John Hunt Ireland, 44 Laborer, Detroit July 26 

Joseph Hirsch Ohio, 20 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 25 

James D. Jackson New York, 23 Carpenter, Detroit 8 

Frank Kendrick England, 32 Sailor, 1 'etroit i 

William Kelly Ireland, 22 Blacksmith, Detroit 11 

Frederick W. Kuhn Prussia, 42 Farmer, Vv'ayne Co 6 

Patrick J. Kinney Ireland, 30 Shoemaker, Detroit 16 

Andrew Kelley Ireland, 22 Baker, Detroit July 30 

James R. Kernan New Jersey, 24. . . .Plasterer, Detroit Aug. 14 

James Laird Scotland, 35 Laborer, Detroit 8 

John Lee Ireland, 24 Laborer, Detroit July 26 

James S. Murphy Windsor, 22 Tel. Op'r, Detroit 24 

Hugh Murphy Canada, 23 Carpenter, Detroit 25 

Evens H. McCloud Vermont, 28 Cooper, Detroit 23 

George D. McGiveron Ireland, 40, Carpenter, Detroit 28 

John McGeary Ireland, 26 Sailor, Detroit Aug. i 

John Moynehan Ireland, 32 Laborer, Detroit 8 

Henry Moynahan Ireland, 18 Sailor, Detroit 5 

Thomas G. Norton Detroit, 20 Roofer, Detroit July 25 

Andrew Nelson Sweden, 18 Farmer, Wayne Co Aug. 14 



• ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 333 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ENLISTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

George Nugent Ireland, 25 Laborer, Detroit July 28 

Thomas O'Connor Ireland, 21 Tailor, Detroit Aug. 12 

Michael O'Neil Ireland, 22 Tailor, Detroit 13 

Thomas S. Orton New York, 26 Printer, Detroit July 23 

Charles Paton Detroit, 20 Boilermaker, Detroit 24 

William Powers Detroit, 18 Drayman, Detroit Aug. 5 

John Proctor Wayne Co., iS Boilermaker, Springwells. . 11 

Nelson Pelon Canada, 32 Shoemaker, Detroit 11 

Robert Reed Canada, 22 Sailor, Detroit 4 

John Roche Ireland, iS Blacksmith, Detroit S 

Garrett Rourke Ireland, 41 Shoemaker, Detroit 11 

John Southard N. York City, 22. . . Molder, Detroit 9 

John Schultz Prussia, 26 Farmer, Wayne Co 5 

Thomas Stackpole Detroit, 24 Farmer, Wayne Co 5 

Frank Schneider Detroit, iS Stonecutter, Detroit 8 

Joseph Smith England, 41 Shoemaker, Detroit July 26 

Frederick Stotte Germany, 34 Laborer, Detroit Aug. n 

Joseph Trumbradd Switzerland, 40. . . .Laborer, Detroit i 

Edward Tracy New York, ig Sailor, Detroit 12 

Patrick Tunney Maine, 23 Sailor, Detroit 5 

William Vent Germany, iS Brickmaker, Springwells.. 9 

James E. Whalon New York, 30 Printer, Detroit July 24 

Andrew Waubecq Germany, 38 Stonecutter, Detroit. .... .Aug. 8 

Frederick Woods Germany, 18 Teamster, Detroit 8 

Henry L.Wood Michigan, 22 Wheelwright, Chelsea 13 

James P. Wood Michigan, 26 Wheelwright, Chelsea 13 

Erskine Wood New York, 23 Steward, Detroit 14 

Demain Wheel house England, 36 Laborer, Chelsea 13 

John Walls Ireland, 42 Cooper, Detroit 13 



COMPANY F. 

Officers: 1862. 

Capt. Albert M. Edwards. . . . .Maine, 26 Journalist, Detroit July 26 

ist Lt. Ara W. Sprague Unknown, 41 Detective, Detroit 26 

2d Lt. Jacob M. Howard, jr. . .Detroit, 20 Student, Detroit 26 

Sergeants : 

Wm. H. Ingersoll Detroit, 21 Carpenter, Detroit Aug. 6 

Charles Bucklin Michigan, 30 Wheelwright, Van Buren. . .July 30 

3. John J. Littlefield New York, 31 Physician, Ash Aug. 12 

4. Lewis H. Chamberlin Brownstown, 19. . .Clerk, Ypsilanti 12 

5. Wm. B. Hutchinson Detroit, 21 Carpenter, Detroit July 24 

Corporals : 

Timothy O. Webster New York, 31 Overseer, Detroit 24 

George A. Ross Michigan, 19 Student, Detroit Aug. 13 

3. Oren S. Stoddard Pontiac, 26 Tinsmith, Detroit 12 

4. Andrew Wagner Germany, 39 Stonecutter, Detroit July 31 

5. Benjamin F, Buyer Ohio, 21 Boilermaker, Detroit 25 



334 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. • 

„..,„ ..,„ ., NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ENLISTED 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

6. John J. Sullivan Michigan, 26 Tinsmith, Detroit Aug. 15 

7. George W. Chilson. Wayne Co., 19. . . .Farmer, Van Buren July 30 

8. Levi S. Freeman Michigan, 22 Blacksmith, Ypsilanti Aug. 3 

Musicians — 

William W. Graves New York, 36 Painter, Detroit 5 

Daniel D. Webster Ash, 18 . .Farmer, Sharon 13 

Wagoner — 

Patrick McGran Ireland, 23 Teamster, Detroit 13 

Privates: 

August Albrecht Prussia, 28 Laborer, Ecorse 6 

Abram Akey Canada, 36 Farmer, Ecorse 13 

Louis L. Beaubien Detroit, 40 Carpenter, Ecorse 13 

Anthony Bondie Ecorse, 32 Laborer, Ecorse 13 

Daniel Bourassas Canada, 29 Laborer, Ecorse 13 

William S. Bronson New York, 42 Farmer, Wayne Co 13 

Joel R. Brace New York, 30 Carpenter, Bellville 13 

William Bullock England, 45 Shoemaker, Detroit July 24 

James Burns Ireland, 30 Farmer, Wayne Co Aug. 7 

Thomas Burns New York, 26 Sailor, Detroit n 

Jasper Burt Michigan, 27 Farmer, Van Buren 6 

Edward Burkhans Bremen, 34 ..... . Laborer, Detroit July 24 

David H. Campbell New York, 21 Farmer, Ypsilanti 30 

Henry Chapman Scotland, 39 Tanner, Detroit Aug. 14 

Frederick Chavey France, 25 Farmer, Redford 13 

Patrick Connelly Ireland, 29 Brickmaker, Springwells. ... 7 

Andrew J. Connor Detroit, 32 Clerk, Detroit 5 

Amos B. Cooley Macomb Co., 18. . .Farmer, Livonia 5 

Joseph Coryell New York, 31 Farmer, Olive 13 

Shelden E. Crittenden New York, 25 Farmer, Ypsilanti July 30 

John Dougherty Ohio, 32 Shoemaker, Detroit Aug. 5 

Iltid W. Evans Wales, Eng., iS. . .Student, Detroit 13 

John M. Evans Michigan, iS Teamster, Detroit July 26 

Alexander D. Fales New York, 19 Farmer, Huron Aug. 13 

Francis Flury St. Clair Co., 39. . .Painter, St. Clair Co July 29 

Peter Ford Ireland, 30 Farmer Wayne Co Aug. 7 

Adolph Fritsch France, 26 Peddler, Detroit 12 

William S. Fox New York, 45 Laborer, Detroit July 26 

Edward Gohir Belgium, 22 Farmer, Wayne Co Aug. 4 

Joseph Gohir Belgium, ig Farmer, Wayne Co 4 

Charles Gochy Canada, 26 Laborer, Ecorse 13 

Sullivan D. Green N. Hampshire, 29. .Journalist Detroit 13 

Charles E. Hale Romulus, 18 Farmer, Romulus 11 

John Hartmann Germany, 38 Farmer, Warren 13 

Ludwig Herzel Germany, 26 Laborer, Detroit 5 

Christopher Henne Germany, 25 Cabinetmaker, Detroit 13 

Erastus W. Hine Ohio, 25 .Farmer, Monroe Co 13 

Elmer D. Holloway New York, 45 Wagonmaker, Salem 13 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 335 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. .^^ „^^,^^, ENLISTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

George M. Holloway New Jersey, 44 Wagonmaker, Salem Aug. 9 

James Hubbard Lenawee, 32 Farmer, Olive 13 

Charles E. Jenner Michigan, 21 Carpenter, Van Buren July 31 

Fayette Jones Vermont, 29 Cooper, Van Buren Aug. 8 

John G. Klinck Germany, 30 Baker, Detroit 13 

Irwin W. Knapp New York, ig Farmer, Ypsilanti 11 

William Kalsow Prussia, 22 Lastmaker, Detroit July 24 

George Krumbach Germany, 18 Gunsmith, Detroit Aug. 5 

Antoine La Blanc Ecorse, 34 Farmer, Ecorse 13 

Gideon Martin N. Hampshire, 44. . Sailor, Detroit 8 

John McNish Scotland, 30 Plasterer, Detroit 13 

John B. Moores Monroe Co., 20. . . .Farmer, Plymouth 14 

Norbert Multhaupt Prussia, 30 Shoemaker, Redford 13 

Myron Murdock Vermont, 44 Farmer, Plymouth 6 

George F. Neef Germany, 34 Farmer, Wayne Co 6 

Isaac Nelson Michigan, 33 Farmer, Plymouth 14 

Solomon R. Niles New York, 42 Blacksmith, Ypsilanti 8 

Edwin E. Norton (N, C. S. ) Michigan, 25 Clerk, Detroit 16 

Frank H. Pixley New York, 18 Farmer, Rochester 11 

Edwin Plass New York. 23 Farmer, Ypsilanti 8 

Royal L, Potter Vermont, 42 Farmer, Ash 14 

Charles Raymond New York, 26 Farmer, Van Buren 8 

Elisha C. Reed New York, 40 Farmer, Wayne Co 13 

Julius A. Reynolds New York, 37 Salesman, Detroit 5 

Peter P. Rivard Macomb Co. , 22 . . . Farmer, Wayne Co . . 10 

Joseph P. Rivard Macomb Co., 22. . .Farmer, Wayne Co 10 

James Robertson Ohio, 37 Agent, Detroit 6 

James D, Shearer Scotland, 34 Upholsterer, Detroit 6 

Henry Seele ' Germany, 28 Brewer, Detroit 13 

Frank T. Shier New Jersey, 19 . . Farmer, Ypsilanti 13 

William R. Shier New Jersey, 22 ... . Farmer, Ypsilanti 13 

Eugene Sims Ireland, iS Farmer, Nankin 13 

Albert L. Schmidt Prussia, 18 Clerk, Detroit 13 

Nathan Smith New York, 22 Teamster, Detroit 8 

Theodore Smith Michigan, 35 . .Engineer, Bellville July 30 

Willard A. Smith Newport. 18 Sailor, Detroit 24 

John Stoffold Germany, 18 Farmer, Wyandotte Aug. 13 

Abel P. Turner New York, 45 Music Teacher, Ypsilanti.. .July 24 

Josiah P. Turner Pittsfield, 28 Farmer, Wyandotte Aug. 14 

Mathew Wehrle Germany, 44 Clockmaker. Detroit 5 

Marcus G. Wheeler Wayne Co.. iS Farmer, Wayne Co 8 

Mordaunt Williams Plymouth, 30 Laborer, Plymouth 12 

Ransford Wilcox Sharon, 24 Miller, Rochester 1 1 

William K. Yates New York, 25 Clerk. Detroit 13 



336 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



COMPANY G. 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

NAME AND RANK. „^ , „ ENLISTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

Officers : 1862. 

Capt. Wm. A.Owen New York, 27 Lawyer Detroit July 26 

1st Lt. Wm. Hutchinson Canada, 22 Butcher, Detroit 26 

2d Lt. Geo. W. BuRCHELL England, 33 Contractor, Detroit 26 

Sergeants : 

1. George Hutton Scotland, 34 Clerk, Detroit 24 

2. Benj. W. Hendricks Monroe, 25 Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 12 

3. George H. Pettinger New York City, 27 .Carpenter, Detroit 7 

4. John W. McMillian Detroit, 21 Salesman, Detroit July 24 

5. Charles H. Chope Wayne Co., iS. . . .Carpenter, Detroit 23 

Corporals : 

1. Joseph J, Watts Maryland, 44 Mariner, Detroit 28 

2. Wm. M. McNoah New York, 21 Salesman, Detroit Aug. i 

3. Joseph G. Thompson Detroit, 22 Butcher, Detroit i 

4. John Tait England, 36. Blacksmith, Canton S 

5. Thomas Jackson Pontiac, 19 Butcher, Detroit July 31 

6. Thomas Suggett England, 20 Carpenter, Detroit 24 

7. Charles H. Owen Missouri, 26 Engineer, Detroit Aug. 8 

8. George O. Colburn Vermont. 29 Farmer, Ash 12 

Fifer — 

David Blakely Michigan, 29 Farmer, Sumpter 7 

Drummer — 

Willie Young Detroit, 13 Student, Detroit 15 

Wagoner — 

Benjamin W. Pierson New York, 2S Carpenter, Brownstown .... 12 

Privates : 

Amos Andrews Plymouth, 26 Painter, Detroit 8 

Wm. A. Armstrong Oakland, 19 Laborer, Ash 12 

Charles F. Allyn Detroit, 18 Painter, Detroit 12 

Ernest F. Argelbeira Germany, 18 Farmer, Wayne Co 7 

Elias B. Browning Detroit, iS Painter, Detroit July 24 

Peter Batway Ohio, 28 Farmer, Exeter Aug. 13 

Samuel Brown Detroit, 26 Farmer, Wayne Co 7 

Joseph McC. Bale New York, 21 Farmer, Ash 12 

John Broombar Germany, 18 Farmer, Ash 12 

Henry Bierkamp Germany, 22 Farmer, Hamtramck 11 

John Butler New York, 21 Teamster, Detroit 12 

Theodore Bach Germany, 18 Peddler, Detroit 9 

Lyman W. Blakely Huron, 18 Farmer, Huron 2 

Michael Brabau Hamtramck, 29 . . Farmer, Hamtramck 9 

Charles O. Baldwin Washentaw, 24. .. .Farmer, Ash 12 

Henry Collins Wayne Co., ig. . . .Farmer, Hamtramck 8 

Charles Coombs England, 21 Painter, Detroit .July 28 

Henry Crothine Germany, 23 Carpenter, Detroit Aug. 9 

John Cole France, iS Laborer, Detroit 12 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 337 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ^^^ RESIDKNCE. ENLISTED. 

John Cavanaugh Detroit, i8 Painter, Detroit Aug. 12 

George A. Codwise Macomb Co. , 25. . . Farmer, Ash 12 

Charles Dennis New York, iS Farmer, Brownstown 9 

Sidney B. Di.xon Detroit, 21 Musician, Detroit 7 

Joseph H. Drew Canada, 36 Mariner, Detroit 8 

Edwin Delong New York, 18 . ... Farmer, Brownstown 12 

John M. Dermody New York, 18 Sailor, Detroit 12 

Charles H. Dalrymple Pennsylvania, 19. .Painter, Detroit 12 

Peter Euler Detroit, 22 Teamster, Detroit 7 

James Ford Scotland, 22 Gardener, Detroit 7 

Jerome P. Fales Detroit, 19 Farmer, Wayne Co July 24 

John Foster Europe, 18 Farmer, Sumpter Aug. 7 

Garrett Garrettson, Jr New Jersey, 34 . . .Farmer, Brownstown 12 

William R. Graves Ohio, 25 Wagonmaker, Huron 12 

George Hinmonger England, 22 Farmer, Redford 8 

Edward H. Hamer Ohio, 31 Carpenter, Detroit 11 

Marion Hamilton Sumpter, 18 Farmer, Sumpter 7 

William Harvey New York, 22 Farmer, Van Buren 12 

Samuel T. Hendricks Wayne Co., 18. . . Farmer, Brownstown 12 

Michael Hanrahan Detroit, 20 Molder, Detroit July 24 

Patrick Hefferman Ireland, 33 Drayman, Detroit Aug. 13 

Wm. H. Jamieson Michigan, 23 Laborer, Ash 12 

Edwin Johnson Michigan, 23 Farmer, Huron 7 

William Jewel Salem, 21 Farmer, Ash 7 

Lewis W. James Ohio, 25 Farmer, Wayne Co 13 

Sam'l T. Lautenschlager Monroe, 23 Farmer, Ash 12 

Enoch F. Langs New York, 19. . . .Farmer, Ash.. 12 

Charles W. Langs New York, 22 Farmer, Ash 12 

Julius Lezotte Detroit, 22 Farmer, Wayne Co 7 

Peter T. Lezotte Michigan, 23 Farmer, Wayne Co 11 

James R. Lewis Michigan, 18 Farmer, Sumpter 7 

William R. Lewis Canada, 48 Blacksmith, Sumpter J2 

William H. Luce New York, 23 Clerk, Detroit 7 

Edwin Martin Huron, 18 Farmer, Sumpter 7 

John Martin Vermont, 24 Drover, Detroit 7 

George Martin Michigan, 21 Farmer, Sumpter 7 

Charles Martin New York City, 32. .Farmer, Sumpter 7 

Andrew J. Martin N. Hampshire, 29. .Machinist, Detroit 11 

William Maiers Germany, 26 Unknown, Detroit 15 

Charles G. Malley Monroe, 22 Farmer, Ash 12 

Daniel Munz New York, 20 Sailor, Detroit 1 

Barney McKay Ireland, 30 Laborer, Detroit 11 

Silas A. McMillan Detroit, 19 Carpenter, Detroit July 24 

Arden H. Olmstead Ypsilanti, 24 Farmer, Ash Aug. 12 

George Oakley Detroit, 20 Farmer, Wayne Co 8 

Douglas M. Page England, 27 Laborer, Detroit 7 

John T. Paris England, 21 Tallow ch'r, Detroit 12 

Henry Robinson England, 30 Carpenter, Clinton Co July 28 

(22) 



338 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND ^„, ,e.^„^ 

RANK AND NAME. ^^^^ RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

Jeremiah Sullivan Ireland, 31 Laborer, Detroit. July 25 

Charles Stoflet Wayne Co., 18. . . .Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 12 

Hermann Schultz Germany 18 Farmer, Wayne Co 7 

William Scerl Germany, 18 Cigarmaker Detroit 11 

Wm. H Southworth New York, 25 Farmer, Ash 12 

Orville C. Simon son New York, 28 Farmer, Burns 12 

John Shoane Hamtramck, 22 ... . Farmer, Hamtramack g 

John H. Terry New Yerk, 20 Farmer, Sumpter 12 

David Valrance, jr Monroe, 18 Farmer, Brownstown 12 

Wm. H . Vannoller New York, 25 Farmer, Burns 12 

Albert Wasso Germany, 18 Butcher, Detroit July 25 

Albert Wilford England, 35 Mason, Huron Aug. 12 

William Weiner New York City, 18. Sailor, Detroit 7 

John W. Welsh New York, 21 Sailor, Detroit 2 

George E. Walker Oakland, ig Farmer, Bloomfield 4 

Charles A. Wilson Detroit, 17 Sailor, Detroit . . .July 31 

George W. Wilson Detroit, 25 Sailmaker , Detroit Aug. 11 



COMPANY H. 

Officers: 1862, 

Capt. Warren G. Vinton New York, 32 Builder, Detroit July 26 

ist Lt. John C. Merritt Unknown, 24 Mechanic. Detroit 26 

2d Lt. Newell Grace New York, 36 Lawyer, Detroit 26 

Sergeants : 

1. William R. Dodsley England, 22 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 5 

2. Everard B. Welton Connecticut, 22. . . .Exp. Clerk, Detroit 15 

3. Richard H. Davy New York, 26 Trimmer, Detroit 13 

3. Herbert Adams Maine, 3g Lumberman, Plymouth i 

5. John H. Wiley New Jersey, 30. .. .Carpenter, Detroit. July 24 

Corporals : 

1 . Robert Simpson Michigan, 24 Laborer, Wayne Co 31 

2. William Hunter New York, 27 Wagonmaker, Detroit 25 

3. William H. Hoffman Jackson, 22 Mason, Detroit 23 

4. Charles M. Knapp Rhode Island, 27. .Clerk, Detroit Aug. 11 

5- Warren A. Norton New Jersey. 22. . . .Book-keeper, Detroit 11 

6. Charles E. Crarey New York, 23 Unknown, Detroit 13 

7. Wm. Featherstone England, 22 Unknown, Detroit July 28 

8. Augustus Hussey Massachusetts, 19. .Clerk, Detroit Aug. 8 

Fifer — 
Frederick A. Schaube Germany, 44 Musician, Detroit July 26 

Drummer — 
David Ferguson New York, 38 Farmer, Nankin Aug. 12 

Wagoner — 
George G. Cady Michigan, 27 Farmer, Oakland 7 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 339 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. „ ENLISTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

Privates : 

Peter Alterman Germany, 32 Tailor, Detroit July 25 

Anthony Brabau Michigan, 33 Farmer, Wayne Co Aug. 7 

John Benedict New York, 21 Farmer, Oakland g 

Charles Bills Romulus, 19 Farmer, Romulus 13 

Marshall Bills Romulus, 19 Farmer, Romulus 13 

Dewitt C. Butterfield Michigan, 27 Farmer, Dewitt 9 

Robert E. Bolger Ireland, 20 Laborer, Detroit 13 

Barney J. Campbell New York, 42 Saddler, Dewitt July 26 

David Congdon Michigan, 21 Clerk, Dewitt Aug. 8 

Edwin Cotton New York, 39 Saddler, Ypsilanti 13 

James F. Clegg Canada, 18 Butcher, Detroit July 29 

Michael Cunningham Michigan, 19 Laborer, Detroit 29 

Myron Demary Michigan, 18 Farmer, Dewitt Aug. 13 

Michael Donovan Ireland, 24 Laborer, Dewitt July 25 

James Donovan Ireland, 34 Laborer, Dewitt 26 

Martin K. Donnelly Michigan, 22 Boilermaker, Dewitt Aug. 2 

Gilbert Dubuc Canada, 24 Farmer, Greenfield 11 

Philip T. Dunroe Michigan, 28 Carpenter, Greenfield 11 

Edward Eberts Germany, 28 Bricklayer, Detroit 4 

Jacob Eisele Germany, 40 Carpenter, Detroit July 31 

Edward L. Farrell Ireland, 26 Farmer, Livonia Aug. 9 

Thomas Fitzgibbons Ireland, 23 Boilermaker, Detroit July 30 

Evi French New York, 24 Farmer, Ypsilanti Aug. 9 

William Ford Michigan, 21 Carpenter, Greenfield 11 

August Gillsbach Germany 21 Farmer, Wayne Co 14 

Theodore Grover Germany ig Shoemaker, Detroit Ju'y 29 

Edward B . Harrison New Jersey, 20 Brewer, Detroit Aug. 1 1 

Charles W. Harrison New Jersey, 22. . . .Clerk, Detroit July 25 

Israel Harris Kentucky, 28 Cigarmaker, Detroit Aug. 1 3 

Robt. R". Hermann Prussia, 45 Physician, Detroit 2 

Morris L. Hoople Michigan, 18 Farmer, Dewitt 9 

Leander R. Hoople Ohio, 19 Farmer, Dewitt 9 

William H. Hewlett Michigan, 21 Farmer, Wayne Co July 31 

Abraham Hoffman Germany, 25 Cooper, Detroit 29 

William Ingersoll Oakland, 23 Farmer, Oakland Aug. 9 

Anthony Jacobs Germany, 27 Cooper, Detroit July 28 

John R. King Canada, 21 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 11 

John Langdon England, 33 Farmer, Hamtramck 11 

Marquis L. Lapaugh New York, 24 Farmer, Oakland 8 

Van R. W. Lemm. . . . .Michigan, 19 Farmer, Dewitt g 

John Larkins Ohio, 26 Sailor, Detroit . .July 25 

Charles E. Letts Michigan, 25 Farmer, Chelsea Aug. 1 3 

John Malcho Germany, ig Coffinmaker, Detroit July 25 

Dennis Mahoney Ireland, 23 Laborer, Detroit 2g 

Robert Morris New York, ig .... Unknown, Detroit Aug. 2 

William Morgan New York, 20 Farmer, Dewitt g 

Alex. H. Morrison Michigan, 21 Clerk, St. Johns July 25 



340 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

„.,,„ .^,„ ^, ,^ NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ENLISTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. 

Nathaniel J. Moon Michigan, i8 Farmer, Dewitt Aug. 9 

Mathew Myers New Jersey, 23 ... . Farmer, Livonia 9 

John Nollette Canada, 24 Farmer, Livonia 13 

Ira F. Pearsoll New York, 26 Farmer, Dewitt 13 

Benjamin Pelong New York, 23 Farmer, Plymouth 2 

John Peterson Michigan, 21 Laborer, Detroit.... July 29 

John Powell New York, 26 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 9 

Edwin J. Ranger Livonia, 23 Farmer, Livonia 13 

Jas. F. Raymond (N. C. S.) New York, 36 Photographer, Detroit 13 

William F. Reed New York, 20 Photographer, Olive 13 

Richard A. Riley Michigan, 22 Farmer, Greenfield 13 

George M. Riley Michigan, 24 Carpenter, Greenfield ir 

Joseph Ruby Michigan, 22 ... . .Farmer, Wayne Co 11 

Nicholas Ruby Germany, 20 Laborer, Detroit July 24 

A. Wilder Robmson England, 18 Laborer, Detroit 23 

Joseph Schunck Michigan, 22 Book-keeper, Dewitt Aug. 9 

P G. Scanlon Prussia, 45 Farmer, Wayne Co 8 

Orlando Scoville Ireland, 25 Peddler. Detroit 13 

George W. Severance Michigan, 45 Baggageman, Detroit July 30 

Andrew J. Stevens Vermont, 29 Carpenter, Dewitt Aug. 9 

Samuel Steele New York, 43 Farmer, Dewitt 13 

Daniel Steele New York, 19 Carpenter, Dewitt 9 

John Steele New York, 18 Farmer, Dewitt ^9 

Charles M. Stickles New Jersey, 20. . . .Farmer, Dewitt 9 

Arnold Stowell Pennsylvania, 32 . . Farmer, Livonia 9 

Robert D. Simpson New York, 20 Farmer, Wayne Co 13 

Albert Sons Michigan, 26 Carpenter, Chelsea 13 

George Teufel New York, 19 Carpenter, Detroit 4 

Charles W. Thomas Germany, 31. Painter, Dewitt 9 

Frederick Uebelhoer New York, 18 Carpenter, Detroit July 24 

Jacob Whyse Germany, 34 Laborer, Nankin 25 

Edward Wilson Germany, 26 Laborer, Detroit Aug. 1 1 

Elmer D. Wallace (N. C. S.) England, 18 Clerk, Detroit July 25 

Ferdinard E. Welton Connecticut. 18. . . .Exp. Clerk, Detroit Aug. 18 

William C. Young Detroit, 15 Student, Detroit July 25 



COMPANY I. 

Officers: 1862. 

Capt. Geo. C. Gordon Canada, 29 Lawyer, Redford July 26 

1st Lt. Henry P. Kinney Unknown, 27 Unknown, Detroit 26 

2d Lt. John M. Gordon New York, 31 Shoe trade, Detroit 26 

Serijeafits: 

1. Wm. T. Wheeler Maryland, 26 Com. Merch., Detroit 26 

2. Abraham Earnshaw Massachusetts, 46. .Carpenter, Detroit 26 

3. Albert E. Bigelow Redford, 22 Book-keeper, Detroit 26 

4. Wm. D. Murray Canada, 22 Clerk, Detroit Aug. 5 

5. Geo. H. Canfield Redford, 19 Farmer, Redford 2 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. ' 34I 

NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND ^^,, ,^^„„ 

RANK AND NAME ENLISTED. 

KAINN rtNU i>rt.rac. ^^g RESIDENCE. 

Corporals: 

1. William H.Cross Redford Farmer, Redford Aug. 5 

2. Silas H. Wood Canada, 44 Carpenter, Detroit 5 

3. Pratt B. Haskall New York, 37 Lumberman, Detroit 8 

4. Jos. U. B. Hedger Ohio, 20 Clerk, Nankin 8 

5. George W. Ormsbee Oakland, 23 Farmer, Redford 4 

6. Louis Gautherat Redford, 26 Farmer, Redford 7 

7. Ferdinand F. Bates New York City, 18. Clerk, Detroit July 31 

8. Henry L. Houk Redford. 21 Farmer, Redford 26 

Musicians — 

Francis R. Ward England, 29 Farmer, Greenfield Aug. 11 

Henry C. Stoddard Greenfield, 21 Tinsmith, Detroit 9 

Wagoner — 
Alonzo F. Anscomb Redford, 23 Farmer, Redford 9 

Frivaiei: 

Abner D. Austin Canada, 19 Laborer, Redford 2 

Ralph Archibald England, 21 Machinist, Detroit July 28 

Hiram Bentley Genesee, 18 Clerk, Flint Aug. 5 

John Bryant England, 18 Farmer, Redford 2 

Seymour L. Burns New York, 28 Farmer, Redford 2 

George W. Bentley Bloomfield, 24 Farmer, Redford 4 

John P. Barrett England, 42 Farmer, Redford 11 

Jonathan Briggs England, 33 Cooper, Detroit 11 

Frederick Bosardis France, 18 Farmer, Redford 5 

Peter Brink New York, 36 Sawyer, Livonia 5 

Wm. Charlesworth Redford, 21 Farmer, Redford 2 

Jacob H. Canfield New York, 33 ....Carpenter, Redford 4 

William W. Coon Redford, 26 Laborer, Redford July 23 

Samuel F. Cromer Redford, 23 Laborer, Redford Aug. 7 

George L. Carey England, 28 Farmer, Wayne Co 9 

Patrick Clarey Ireland, 16 Teamster, Detroit 5 

Henry H. Crarey ; Vermont, 36 Farmer, Redford 11 

Henry Coonrad Germany, 40 Farmer, Redford 11 

Luther D. Carr Vermont, 29 Farmer, Redford n 

John Clark England, 40 Farmer, Redford July 30 

Ephraim D. Cooper New York, 39 Farmer, Romulus Aug. 11 

Oscar Delong Wayne Co., 17. . . .Laborer, Detroit 4 

John J. Dickey Maine, 35 Ostler, Detroit 7 

Charles Devantoy France, 35 Farmer, Wayne Co 13 

John Dubois Redford, 27 Farmer, Redford 11 

Wallace P. Dicks Wayne Co, 18 Farmer, Redford 11 

Ale.\ander J. Eddy New York, 19 Farmer, Redford 6 

Jay Ferguson New York, 26 ... . Farmer, Redford Ju'y 29 

William A. Flynn New York, 35 Sailor, Detroit Aug. 9 

Richard M. Fish Lapeer, 20 Farmer, Redford 9 

George B. F. Green Redford, 21 Farmer, Redford July 28 

Oliver Gagnier Detroit, 2i Farmer, Redford Aug. 8 

Albertus A. Hutchinson Redford, 17 Farmer, Redford July 29 



342 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

OAXT.^ AVT,^ M»,*ij NATIVITY AND OCCUPATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ENLISTED 

AGE. RESIDENCE. oicu. 

Nelson Harris. Redford, 22 Farmer, Redford Aug. 2 

Francis C. Hodgman New York, 22 Farmer, Redford 6 

Charles H. Houk Plymouth, 21 Farmer, Plymouth 5 

Mark Hearn Wayne Co., 18. . . .Farmer, Redford 8 

Louis Hattie New York, 18 Jeweler, Detroit 8 

Francis Hynds Ireland, 18 Mason, Detroit 2 

John B. Harris New York, 23 Farmer, Redford 11 

Cross Harris Wayne, 22 Farmer, Nankin 13 

Lewis Hawkins Redford, 27 Farmer, Redford 7 

William Irving England, 18 Trimmer, Detroit 9 

Isaac Innes Wayne Co., 18 Broommaker, Nankin 13 

James S. Innes New Jersey, 26. . . .Broommaker, Nankin 13 

Alpheus Johnson Wisconsin, 21 Farmer, Redford July 31 

Peter Jackson Nankin, 20 Farmer, Nankin Aug. 11 

Charles A. Kinney New York, 25 Farmer, Redford 2 

Isaac J. Kibbee Jackson, 21 Carpenter, Redford i 

August Lahser Prussia, 16 Wheelwright, Redford 6 

Adolphus Londrush Detroit, 39 Farmer, Redford 6 

James B. Myers New York, 25 Cab-maker, Redford 2 

James Magooghan Ireland, 41 Gardener, Detroit 2 

John Maitrie Switzerland, 23. . . . Farmer, Redford 6 

Emile Mettetal Redford, 19 Farmer, Redford 12 

James Mooney England, 18 Peddler, Detroit 5 

Eugene F. Nardin New York City, 24. Carpenter, Detroit 5 

Alexander O'Rourke New York, 18 Farmer, Flint 11 

Byron Pierce Wayne Co., 20 Laborer, Redford 11 

Charles Robinson Detroit, 17 Butcher, Detroit Ju'y 3i 

Wm. J. Riffenbury Oakland, 27 Laborer, Detroit , Aug. 9 

Gilbert Rhoades Wayne Co., 26. . . .Farmer, Dearborn 7 

Palmer Rhoades Wayne Co., 19. . . .Farmer, Dearborn 7 

Charles F. Sweet New York, 22 Farmer, Wayne Co 2 

Orville W. Stringer Livonia, 18 Farmer, Livonia 4 

John L. Stringham New York, 29 Carpenter, Detroit 7 

David S. Sears New York, 25 Farmer, Redford 8 

Adolphus Shephard Detroit, 25 Carpenter, Detroit 8 

Henry Schindehett Germany, 22 Sailor, Detroit 11 

Wm. E. Thornton New York, 31 Com. Merch., Detroit 7 

Theodore B. Thomas Pennsylvania, 48. .Laborer, Detroit 8 

Wesley A. Tinkham Ohio, 19 Farmer, Romulus 11 

John H. Townsend New York, 35 Farmer, Romulus 11 

David M. Tillman Genesee, 20 Farmer, Wayne Co 12 

Cornelius Veley Wayne Co., 26 . . . .Farmer, Livonia 5 

Jeremiah Vining . . .' New York, 41 Wheelwright, Huron 11 

Roswell Van Kuren New York, 46 Farmer, Redford 11 

Wm. Vandervoort Monroe, 24 Farmer, Wayne Co 11 

Henry Viele Germany, 40 Brickmaker, Springwells. . 8 

James Whalen Pr. Edward I'd, 39. Farmer, Redford July 29 

Hiram A. Williams New York, 31 Farmer, Redford 28 

Henry Wooden New York, 36 Cooper, Detroit Aug. 11 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 343 

COMPANY K. 

RANK AND NAME. NATiyiTY AND OCCUPATION AND ^^^ISTED. 

AGE. RESIDENCE. r.s^i.i.^1 cu. 

Oncers: 1862. 

Capt. Wm. W. Wight New York, 45 Farmer, Livonia July 26 

1st Lt. Walter H. Wallace.. . .Flat Rock, 23 Student, Flat Rock 26 

2d Lt. David Birrell Tecumseh, 23 ... .Druggist, Detroit 26 

Serjeants : 

1. Robert A. Bain Scotland, 19 Salesman, Detroit Aug. 4 

2. R. H. Humphreyville New York, 29 Carpenter, Livonia 12 

3. B. Ross Finlayson New York, ig Druggist, Detroit 7 

4. George W. Fox New York, 25 Farmer, Livonia July 28 

5. Wallace W. Wight Livonia, 18 Farmer, Livonia 28 

Corpofals : 

1. Ira W. Fletcher Taylor, 18 Clerk, Flat Rock 31 

2. Samuel F. Smith Brownstown, 26. . .Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 6 

3. Jerome F. Lefevre Canada, 24 Clerk, Detroit July 28 

4. James T. Rupert New York, 30 Unknown, Brownstown Aug. 6 

5. Isaac M. Jennie Ohio, 26 Carpenter, Dearborn 8 

6. Samuel Johnson Pennsylvania, 28 . . Farmer, Livonia July 28 

7. Francis T. Dushain Detroit, 35 Farmer, Livonia 28 

8. Thomas Saunders England, 28 Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 11 

Musicians — 

Eli A. Blanchard Livonia, 18 Farmer, Livonia 5 

Webster A. Wood Livonia, 20 Farmer, Livonia 5 

Wagoner — 

Hiram Ruff Dearborn, 30 Farmer, Nankin 12 

Pi'ivates : 

Richard D. Ainsworth New York, 35 Painter, Nankin 8 

Thomas Butler New York, 19 Farmer, Huron li 

John R. Bruce New York, 29 Farmer, Nankin 2 

Franklin A. Blanchard Livonia, 20 Farmer, Livonia 12 

Andrew Bruthaumpt Germany, 43 Cabt. maker, Detroit 5 

John R. Brown New York, ig Farmer, Brownstown 9 

Orville Barnes Ohio, 37 Farmer, Livonia 7 

Martin Cole Canada, 37 Lumberman, Detroit g 

Wm. J. Chase Canada, 32 Farmer, Brownstown 2 

Peter Case New Jersey, 18 ... Farmer, Brownstown g 

William H. Cole Canada, 21 Sawyer, Detroit 13 

Michael Daly Detroit, 20 Teamster, Dearborn 12 

David F. Delaney Romulus, 18 Farmer, Nankin 8 

George H. Dewey New York, 18 Farmer, Wayne Co 7 

Wm. H. H. Dana New York, 21 Sailor, Detroit 8 

James R. Ewing Livonia, 18 Farmer, Livonia 11 

August Ernest Prussia, 18 Farmer. Brownstown July 31 

John H. Fryer New York, 18 Farmer, Nankin Aug. 8 



344 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN 

NATIVITY AND OCCUrATION AND 

RANK AND NAME. ^^^ RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

Joseph Ferstell Germany, 33 Brickmaker, Romulus . . . .July 28 

Fernando D. Forbes New York, 24 Farmer, Brownstown 31 

Eugene C. Gessley New York, ig ... .Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 4 

Abner A. Galpin Dearborn, 18 Farmer, Brownstown 2 

Conrad Gundlack Germany, 45 Laborer, Detroit 2 

Isaac I. Green Redford, 23 Farmer, Livonia July 28 

A-lbert Ganong Nankin, 18 Farmer, Nankin Aug. 8 

Patrick Gaffney Greenfield, 18 Farmer, Livonia 11 

Charles Gaffney Greenfield, ig Farmer, Livonia 2 

Henry Hoisington New York, 36 Farmer, Livonia 11 

Lewis Harland Pennsylvania, 24. .Farmer, Livonia 11 

Charles D. Hoagland New York, 20 Farmer, Brownstown 6 

Charles S. Hosmer Huron, 18 Farmer, Huron ... 5 

Artemas Hosmer Huron, 18 Farmer, Huron 5 

Wm. M. Johnson Pennsylvania, 3g. .Farmer, Livonia July 28 

Henry W. Jameson Green Oak, 20 Farmer, Brownstown 31 

Jonathan Jameson Green Oak, 18 Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 2 

Frank Kellogg Ohio, 18 Moulder, Detroit i 

David J. Kellar New York, 18 Farmer, Nankin 6 

George Kipp Huron, 24 Farmer, Huron 6 

Marvin E. Lapham Livonia, ig Farmer, Livonia 12 

James Leslie New York, 36 Farmer, Livonia 5 

Elijah Little Canada, 40 Farmer, Wyandotte 7 

Charles W. Loosee Monroe Co., 18 Farmer, Brownstown 9 

Daniel W. Loosee Monroe Co., 20. .. .Farmer, Brownstown 4 

William Laura Dearborn, ig Farmer, Brownstown 2 

Barney J. Litogot Wayne Co., 24. . . .Farmer, Brownstown 14 

John Litogot Wayne Co., 27 Farmer, Brownstown 11 

William D. Lyon England, 31 Brewer, Detroit July 28 

Evan B. McClure Pennsylvania, 23. .Farmer, Livonia 28 

Neil McNeil Scotland, 51 Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 2 

Chas. E. Maynard Redford, 19 Farmer, Livonia 11 

Charles E. Miller Eaton Co., 18. .. .Teamster, Dearborn 18 

Francis Miller Brownstown, 18. . . Farmer, Brownstown 2 

Simon Miller Pennsylvania, 50. .Farmer, Brownstown 2 

Hiram B. Millard New York, 37- •• -Farmer, Livonia July 28 

Eugene R. Mills New York, 21 Teacher, Detroit Aug. 12 

James Nowlin New York, 70 Farmer, Romulus 7 

Andrew J. Nowland Huron, 23 Farmer, Huron 13 

George W. Olmstead Ypsilanti, 18 Farmer, Brownstown 2 

Robert Outhwaite Plymouth, 29 Blacksmith, Huron 5 

Elijah P. Osborne New York, 20 Farmer, Nankin 7 

John J. Post New Jersey, 27 Carpenter, Brownstown . . .July 31 

Robert R. Peters New York, 28 Farmer, Brownstown Aug. 4 

William Piatt England, 39 Mason, Brownstown 2 

John A. Pattee Huron, 18 Farmer, Huron 5 

Francis Pepin Detroit, 19 Carpenter, Detroit 12 

Sherman Rice Huron, 18 Farmer, Huron 5 

Hugh G. Roberts Wales, Eng., 26. . .Farmer, Livonia n 



ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 



345 



RANK AND NAME. 



NATIVITY AND 
AGE. 



OCCUPATION AND 
RESIDENCE. 



ENLISTED. 



Abraham Rathbone New York, 33 Farmer, Livonia Aug. 6 

Andrew Smith England, 29 Farmer, Brownstown 9 

Jerome B. Stockham New York, 34 Farmer, Livonia 8 

Conrad Springer Germany, 26 Clerk, Detroit 8 

Lilburn A.Spalding.! N. Hampshire, 19. Carpenter, Livonia 5 

Charles A. Sutliff New York, 22 Farmer, Livonia 5 

Wilber F. Straight Nankin, 21 Farmer, Nankin 2 

Isaac L. Vandecar New York, 18 Farmer, Huron 5 

James Van Houten Ash, 20 Farmer, Livonia 6 

Jacob M. Van Riper Ash, 22 Farmer, Brownstown July 31 

Enoch A. Whipple New York, 37 Carpenter, Brownstown. . . .Aug. 11 

Rufus J. Whipple New York, 39 Farmer, Brownstown 9 

Gurdon L. Wight Livonia, 19 Farmer, Livonia 5 

David A. Wood New York, 19 Farmer, Livonia 5 

Wallace A. Wood New York, 19 Farmer, Livonia 5 




JERICHO MILLS ON THE NORTH ANNA. 



(28) 



CHAPTER XVII. 



Recruits of 



The Twenty-fourth Michigan. 



I. — THOSE WHO SAW SERVICE AT THE FRONT. 

QUITE a number of recruits came to the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan but only a small part of them saw service at the 
front. The war history of the regiment was made by the 
1026 original members and 216 recruits who joined it at the 
front. They began to come in during the spring of 1864, while the 
regiment was wintering near Culpepper Court House, and are known 
as " Culpepper Recruits," to distinguish them from those who joined 
the regiment at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois. These earlier 
recruits joined at a critical period of the war and are entitled to share 
in full the honors of the regiment, as they helped fight some of the 
severest battles in which it was engaged. Some of them were placed 
in the ranks even during an engagement, and were killed or wounded 
in that day's battle. These recruits served well and shared all the 
later dangers which confronted the original members. Some had 
brothers and relatives killed already in this regiment and had 
patriotically gone down to take their places. Some were captured 
and died in Confederate prisons; others came home maimed for life. 
Below is a list of such recruits who are entitled to share the full 
honors of the regiment and Iron Brigade : 



NAME. COMPANY. 

Joseph Affholter A . . 

Richard M. Bays 

Albert Couture 

George W. Dingman 

Peter Desnoyer 

Francis Griffin, jr 

Joseph Grisemaire 

Thomas D. Harris 

John W. Hodgetts 



AGE AND RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

Grosse Point Jan. 5, 1864 

Niles Aug. 16, 

Grosse Point 19, " 

Ash Feb. 9, " 

Detroit 17, " 

Detroit 22, " 

Riga Sept. 27, " 

Wayne Co Aug. 23, " 

Bruce Apr. 26, " 



(346) 



RECRUITS. 



347 



NAME. COMPANY. 

Stephen Jackson A . . , 

Lewis D. Moores 

James Malley 

John Parish 

Peter Roberts 

Ferdinand Stark 

Julius Schultz 

John Townsend 

Albert Thalen 

Andrew J. Vinton 

Peter Vermiller 

Peter G. ZoU 

Henry R. Bird 

John P. Bell 

Charles Bruskie 

Darius H. Connor 

Robert H. Collinson 

Lewis Champaign 

Albert S. Cooper 

Edward Flood 

Samuel Fury 

J. Burkhardt Freund 

James Grills 

Luther Hemmingway 

William Lawrence 

Henry Loss 

Joseph E. McConnell 

James Morton 

John O'Connor 

Samuel Smith 

William Sullivan 

Lorenzo D. Smith 

Jacob Smith 

Frank Tscham 

Peter Velie 

James Bourdon 

Ara Cook 

Owen Churchill 

Niel Christiansen 

Patrick English 

John R. Field 

Jerome Head 

John Hutchinson 

George K. Innes 

Andrew E. Mitchell 

Reuben W. Page 

Charles M. Phillips 

Charles Rose 

George W. Stebbins 

Theodore D. Swain 



.20 
.18 
•30 
.19 
.18 
.40 
.22 
.18 

■39 
•32 
.26 

■44 
.18 
.18 
.20 
.29 

•25 
.22 
.18 
.21 
.21 
•31 
•35 
.29 
.18 
.24 
.19 
.40 
.22 
.24 
.18 
.18 
.21 
■32 
.28 
.22 
.20 
•24 
•25 
•34 
•39 
■37 
.19 
•38 
.28 
.21 
.19 
.24 

•34 

.18 



AGE AND RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

West Bloomfield Jan. 21, 1864 

West Bloomfield 21, 

Ash 29, 

West Bloomfield 21, 

Wayne Co Sept. 26, 

Greenfield Jan. 4, 

Wayne Co Feb. 5, 

Nankin Aug. 19, 

Greenfield i, 

Oct. 26, 

Wayne Co Jan. 4, 

Wayne Co Sept. 26, 

Washington, D. C Apr. 23, 1863 

Milton Aug. 25, 1864 

Royalton 21, 

Grosse Point Feb. 25, 

Ash ' Mar. 24, 

Canton Feb. 29. 

Wayne Co 16, 

Jan. 16, 

Ash Mar. 17. 

Royalton Sept. 3, 

Wayne Co Jan. 4, 

Berrien Co. Sept. 

Marlette Feb. 

Dundee Sept. 

Detroit Apr. 

Coldwater Mar. 31, 1864 

Avon Feb. 2, 

Sept 9, 

Royalton Aug. 21, 

Royalton Sept. 6, 

Kalamazoo Aug. 17, 

Springwells Feb. 27, 

Erin Mar. 30, 

Niles Aug. 30, 

Niles July 29, 

Niles Aug. 24, 

Ecorse Jan. 28, 

Bertrand Sept. 12, 

Niles Aug. 31, 

Niles 22, 

Niles 27, 

Nankin Jan. 19, 

Niles Aug. 15, 

Armada Jan. 20, 

Oronoco -^ug. 25, 

Detroit 12, 

Tecumseh 5, 

Bertrand 19, 



I, 



8. 

I, 1863 



348 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



NAME. COM 

Henry Smith 

Oscar St. John 

James St. Johns 

James L. Stafford 

Gideon B. Stiles 

James L. Sharp 

Amos A. Thompson 

George M. Velie 

Barney Anderson 

William Barrett 

William Biggsley 

Samuel Brown 

Agustus F. Brousky 

Thomas Baxter 

Allen Brown 

Henry Carpenter 

James L. Collard 

Thomas Downing 

George Dolan 

James L. Fairweather 

Reuben E. Glass 

John Guest 

John L. Gould 

A. Brutus Heig 

Richard Hamilton 

Harvey D. Hale 

Christopher Mayhew 

Frederick Maths 

Samuel Reed 

James M. Turing 

Henry Aldridge 

Hugh Brady 

Henry E. Bradley 

Patrick Coffee 

Joseph Collins 

George Curtis 

Dayton Fuller 

Lewis Hartman 

Nicholas Hanning 

William H. Kennell 

Cornelius Mahoney 

Benjamin Pettengill 

William A. Ringgold 

Thomas Rourke 

John L. Ryan 

George Ruby 

Ephraim P. Stratton 

Morgan Steinbeck 

John Talbot 



PANY. 

c .. 



AGE AND RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

.18 Ash Nov. 15, 1864 

.24 Buchanan Aug. 31, " 

.18 Buchanan 29, " 

.27 Niles 23, " 

.22 Niles Sept. 2, " 

.28 Niles Aug. 16, " 

.18 Niles 29, " 

.27 Plymouth Jan. 4, " 

.42 Detroit Oct. 12, " 

.20 Detroit 24, " 

.22 Dearborn Dec. 2t, 1863 

.23 Dearborn 27, " 

.18 Redford Sept. 5, 1864 

.18 Greenfield 5, " 



.40 Springwells . 



20, 



.21 Franklin Aug. 11, " 

.20 Romulus.., Feb. 2, " 

.33 Romulus 2, " 

. 18 Port Huron Dec. 29, 1863 

.36 Ecorse Sept. 9,1864 

.18 Redford 5, " 

.45 Dearborn Dec. 14, " 

.18 Detroit Oct. 18, " 

.18 Detroit Dec. 29, 1863 

.18 Detroit Oct. 7,1864 

.37 Romulus 18, " 

.27 Dearborn Jan. 16, " 

.18 Dearborn Dec. 14, 1863 

.34 Dearborn Feb. 25, 1864 

.25 Detroit Oct. 4, " 

.28 Buchanan Aug. 31, " 

.20 Dec. 12, 1863 

.20 Niles Sept. 12, 1864 

.28 Detroit Dec. 21, 1863 

.20 Dearborn 14, " 

.37 Ontwa Sept. 5,1864 

.39 Niles 5, " 

.18 Dec. 29, 1863 

.19 Wayne Co 28, " 

.23 Dearborn 14, " 

.18 29, " 

.34 Niles Sept. 2, 1864 

.18 .Dec. 26, 1863 

.44 Raisin... 15, 

.23 Detroit Aug. 11. 1864 

.18 Redford Sept. 16, " 

.35 Berrien 2, " 

.38 Milton Aug. 16, " 

.23 Niles Sept. 3, " 



RECRUITS. 



349 



NAME. COMPANY. 

Henry T. Willard E 44 

Ephraim M. Yaw " 32 

Silas Ausunkerhin F 18 

Paul Boutts " 18 

Andrew J. Bucklin " 22 

Henry Baker " 18 

John B. Beyette " 39 

John B. Cicotte " 35 

Charles B. Cicotte " 27 

Daniel W. Crane " 18 

Allen H. Cady " 19 

Albert A. Doty " 39 

Abel A. Doty " 34 

Oliver Dubey " 22 

Chester V. Daniels " 18 

John S. Ensign " 42 

V.'m. W. Griffin " 19 

Joseph Gaffele " 18 

Joseph Greusel " 29 

Leander Herrick " 18 

Bird H. Hosmer " 24 

Joseph Jamieson " 35 

Herman Krumback " 16 

■William Kenney " 25 

John Largess " 19 

Adam Oehring " 43 

Henry Oakes " 17 

Anthony Reno " 36 

Frank M. Rose " 21 

Thomas Robinson " 41 

Bozile Vallade " 19 

Franklin Van Schoick " 18 

Joseph Baker G 18 

George Beresford " 29 

Henry Bedford " 20 

Mathew Cavanaugh " 39 

John Casey " 40 

Isaac Conling " 43 

David W. Fox " 19 

Daniel Hemming '' 31 

John Henderson " 23 

James Keenan " 33 

Richard Lennon " ....... 42 

Thomas McMahon. " 38 

Andrew Musberger " 31 

John McPherson " 18 

August McKeever " 20 

Henry S. Paris " 21 

Charles Rhew " 27 

Thomas M. Smith " 38 



AGE AND RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

Dearborn Oct. 3, 1864 

Niles Sept. 3, " 

Erin Mar. 26, " 

Canton Aug. 10, " 

Dearborn Dec. 27, 1863 

Detroit . . .Aug. 16, 1864 

Ecorse Feb. 26, " 

Ecorse 26, " 

Ecorse 26, " 

Plymouth Aug. 24, " 

Plymouth 24. " 

Grosse Point Mar. 8, " 

Detroit Oct. 17, " 

Detroit Dec. 28, 1863 

Dundee Aug. 25, 1864 

Wright Mar. 3, " 

Detroit Aug. 11, " 

Detroit Dec. 13, " 

Franklin Aug. 10, " 

Plymouth Aug. 13, " 

Detroit Oct. 6, " 

Erin Mar. 24, " 

Detroit Dec. il, 1863 

Macon Aug. 12, 1864 

Springwells Sept. 19, " 

Ecorse Jan. 24, " 

Detroit Aug. 13, " 

Ecorse Feb. 26, " 

Dearborn Dec. 14, 1863 

Dearborn Apr. 25, 1864 

Ecorse Feb. 26, ' ' 

Dundee Aug. 25, " 

Plymouth 14, " 

Detroit Oct. 5, '" 

Detroit Dec. 30, 1863 

Detroit Oct. 3, 1864 

Detroit 4, " 

Fairfield Sept. 9, " 

Detroit Oct. 6, " 

Detroit 8, " 

Canton 3, " 

Redford . . .Sept. 14, " 

Dearborn 3, 

Woodstock 17, " 

Canton Oct. 3, " 

Detroit 7, " 

Detroit 7, " 

Columbus Mar. g, 

Springwells Sept. 20, " 

Hamtramck 14, " 



350 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



NAME. COMPANY, 

Clement Saunier G . , 

Albert Taylor " . , 

Simon G. Taylor " 

Amos Arnold H . . 

Mathevv Anderson " 

ApoUos Austin " .. 

Thomas Burnett " .. 

Clark W. Butler " .. 

Uriah Caesar " 

James L. Colligan " . . 

Thomas Drumming " 

Ransom J. Fargo " 

Henry McNames " 

George Moore " 

John Relders " 

Edwin Sharais " 

Harlow S. Sherwood " 

James White " 



26 

18 

■■•.32 
.... 20 
.... 20 

35 

•••37 

18 

....18 
... .21 

21 

... .20 
.... 20 
... .20 

44 

....17 
... 42 
....19 

James Anderson I 37 

Anselm Ball " 33 

John Donahoe " 25 

Charles Davey " 21 

Daniel Donahue " 18 

Stephen Flynn " 18 

James Johnson " 41 

William T. Keays " 18 

James Miller " 36 

John C. Morehouse " ig 

Levi McDaniels " 42 

Abner D. Porter " 18 

Joseph Peyette, jr " 18 

John Shannon " 22 

Richard Taylor " 18 

George P. Vorce " 40 

Henry B. Vorce " 18 

George Wallace " 18 

John Chapman K i8 

Franklin Colbetzor " 27 

Alanson Cain " 40 

William L. Conditt " 23 

Henry Dumont " 18 

Mathew Frankish " 19 

Chauncey M.Griffith " 24 

James Lynch " 27 

Edward Merriman " 22 

Henry L. Morse, " 31 

Anson Miller " 23 

Reuben Merrill, jr " 22 

Henry Nowland " 23 

Max Pischa " 43 



AGE AND RESIDENCE. ENLISTED. 

Detroit Dec. 30, 1 863 

Detroit Oct. 6, 1864 

Canton 3, " 

Butler Feb. 8, " 

Royalton Sept. 24, " 

Ypsilanti 12, " 

Jackson Feb. 4, " 

Detroit .... Dec. 12, 1863 

Dearborn 18, " 

Detroit Sept. 27, 1864 

Detroit Jan. 13, " 

20, " 

Freedom Feb. 4, " 

Wayne Co Aug. 5, " 

Wayne Co Dec. 18, 1863 

Milton Sept. 12, 1864 

Lasalle 3, " 

Lasalle 24, " 

Whiteford Oct. 29, " 

Somerset Jan. 4, " 

Huron Feb. 29, " 

Fairfield Aug 29, " 

Dearborn Feb. 18, " 

Tecumseh Aug. 6, " 

Wayne Co Jan. 28, " 

Dearborn Oct. 12, *' 

Troy Sept. 2, " 

Detroit Oct. 8, " 

Canton Sept. 23, " 

Springwells Feb. 17, " 

Ecorse Jan. 13, " 

Wayne Co Oct. 8, " 

Rutland Aug. 20, " 

Madison 13, " 

Madison 13, " 

Wayne Co Nov. i, " 

Saginaw Apr. 22, " 

Royalton Aug. 31, " 

Commerce Sept. 2, " 

Niles Aug. 27, " 

Dearborn Feb. 2, ' ' 

Niles Sept. 2, " 

Ann Arbor Aug. 30, " 

Farmington Sept. 2, " 

Nankin Aug. 30, " 

Royalton 31, " 

Niles 24, " 

Van Buren Oct. 3, " 

Huron 8, " 

Wayne Co Feb. 23, '' 



RECRUITS. 



351 



COMPANY. 



AGE AND RESIDENCE. 



John M. Reese K 23 Milton Aug. 24, 1864 



Sylvester Riggs . . , 

Henry Smith 

Frederick Smoots. , 
Silas Tomlinson . . 
Edward M. Vesey 

John Veitz , 

John Wightman. . , 



.22 
.22 
.18 
.22 
.41 
•37 
•27 



Detroit Oct. 6, 

Niles Aug. iG, 

Detroit Mar. 31, 

Buchanan Sept. 2, 

Ann Arbor Aug. 30, 

Ann Arbor 30, 

Nankin Jan. 2, 



Total 216, including 4 re-enlistments who were original members of the Regiment. 



2 — SPRINGFIELD RECRUITS. 

By such are meant those who joined the regiment at Camp Butler, 
near Springfield, IlHnois, while it was on guard duty at the Draft 
Rendezvous there, and undergoing re-recruitment, for this was the 
second recruitment aside from its original formation. These men all 
enlisted during the months of January, February and March in 1865, 
and joined the regiment prior to March 29, 1865. One squad of them 
had even reached City Point, Va., to join it, after it had started for 
Springfield, and followed it to the latter place. A few of these 
recruits had seen service in other regiments and were attracted to the 
service again. Many had relatives and friends in the Twenty-fourth 
and were thus attached to it, as well as by the good name which it had 
acquired. Some probably read the signs of the times and believing 
the war to be near its close, hoped to escape field duty by joining this 
regiment where it then was. The war had closed by the surrender of 
Lee, just ten days after the regiment was recruited to its maximum. 
Had the war continued, the regiment would undoubtedly have 
returned to the field of operations with full ranks, and these recruits 
would doubtless have sustained its reputation had opportunity been 
presented. The history of the Twenty-fourth would be incomplete 
without their names. They were welcomed to its ranks at the time, 
and were sought for by our recruiting officers. They were all mustered 
out with the regiment except twenty-six who died of disease at Camp 
Butler and twenty who deserted, the latter being marked with a 
star (*). 

George A. Coykendall, 
Robert Cowan,* 
Solon M. Dewey, 
Alfred J. Deming, 
Ansel Farr, 
Henry Goldsmith, 
Hugh Gamble, 



COMPANY A. 



Henry H. Bowen, 
Alexander Beal, 
John W. Black, 
Jacob Blankertz, 
T. G. Bartholomew, 



William F. Henry, 
Andrew J. Holmes, 
Daniel C. Holmes, 
George W. Hanna, 
Emmet D. Harman, 
Henry H. Hunt, 
Selah F. House, 



352 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



John G. Kettler, 
William Kent, 
Charles H. Kipp, 
William Loughburn, 
Joel O. Lyon, 
Alex. P. McManoney, 
James C. Moore, 
Josiah M. Milburn, 
Thomas A. Moore, 
Lester McKnight, 
Andrew Miller, 
George F. Niles, 
Henry Patno, 
William Powers, 
Winfield S. Preston, 
Watson P. Reed, 
Nathan Rhinehart, 
Hugo Rhodick,* 
Warren S. Stearns, 
William A. Story, 
Milton S. Story, 
Joshua L. Sutton, 
Jacob Saltsman, 
Hubert C. Southworth, 
Greenville M. Smith, 
George W. Sullivan, 
Llewellyn Smith, 
John W. Sutton, 
Stephen S. Stout, 
James O. Smith, 
Seldon D. Sperry, 
Zadock P. Thornton, 
Augustus O. Taylor, 
George Ventile, 
Henry P. Vannetta, 
Rollin G. Wood, 
Charles H. Williams, 
William H. Weaver, 
William White, 
Calvin Ward. 

COMPANY B. 

August Arlin, 
Calvin W. Aiken, 
John H. Alley, 
Darius J. Benjamin, 
Horace M. Bockway, 
James Cheeseman, 
E. Cross,* 
Edward Dompier, 



Charles Dobson, 
Win. H. Emmons, 
Joseph French, 
Gotlieb Gebhardt, 
Carlton Greenleaf, 
William Hamilton, 
Christian Hopp, 
James Hogan, 
Anthony Hawkins, 
Darius K. Irwin, 
Lyman Knapp, 
Andrew F. Kipper, 
Patrick Kealy, 
William J. Keagle, 
Peter Lacroix, 
Henry A. Leming, 
Peter Lapier, 
Jacob Lightner, 
Samuel P. Lockwood, 
Arthur E Martin, 
James McCabe, 
Henry Miller, 
Clifford Montgomery, 
Christian Metzer, 
Henry McWithey, 
Augustus Note, 
John Newman, 
Francis O'Niel, 
Abram J. Pierce, 
Edward Pope, 
Jerome Pierce, 
Joseph Parker, 
William H. Parker, 
Henry Pope, 
William C. Pope, 
James E. Parker, 
David L. Reynolds, 
Andrew Smith, 
Levi Shumway, 
George K. Smith, 
John F. Tuthill, 
Lyman Thornton, 
Joseph Wagner, 
Albert Watson, 
John Whitehouse, 
Owen Walters, 
Daniel Walters, 
David Walters, 
Charles Welch, 
Frank Willis, 
George S. Warren. 



COMPANY C. 

Charles Avery, 
Henry E. Alton, 
Henry Ashdown, 
Franklin Billings, 
M. Burke,* 
Samuel T. Babbitt,* 
Job W. Boyce, 
James Brain, 
Harrison Bump, 
Frank Baker, 
Henry H. Calkins, 
Robert H. Collins, 
Elmer E. Cooper, 
Thomas Checken, 
Henry Delessee, 
George G. Everett, 
Francis M. French, 
George Fox, 
Joel S. Fessenden, 
Thomas Genderson, 
Michael Greening 
John Greening, 
George Glover, 
Edward Haven, 
George Horn, 
Thomas Hastings, 
Myron Holden, 
Hiram Hilton, 
John J. Hart, 
Davis L. Hurlburt, 
John Haines, 
Anselm H. Jessup, 
Henry W. Jones, 
Joseph C. Kyle, 
Alonzo R. Kyle, 
Erastus Kidder, 
Richard Kern, 
Peter G. Kelley. 
Peter S. Green, 
Nelson Lemon, 
William Lawrence,* 
Marcus Morton, 
Walter S. Mizner, 
Benjamin F. McNitt, 
James M. Noell, 
Henry P. Odell, 
James O'Brien, 
John Reynolds, 
Thomas Stapleton, 



RECRUITS. 



353 



Thomas Shannahan. 
Frank Varbaum, 
George White, 
Eli Whiley. 

COMPANY D. 

James Adams, 
Malcolm Angel, 
William Burlingame, 
Henry Brown, 
Nelson Barcume, 
Chas. A. Champion, 
Philip Cornell, 
John Cameron, 
William Cummings, 
Orrin Dodge, 
John Downing, 
John A. Devoe, 
James C. Dancer, 
Thomas Feagan,* 
Peter H. Fryer, 
Lewis Fisher, 
August Farland, 
Edward A. Herrick, 
Charles Jones, 
Eli Jacobs, 
John F. Jackson, 
George Kuyle, 
David J. Kendall, 
Joseph Labadeaux, 
Joseph Ladue, 
William Millard, 
Michael S. McNamara, 
William McLane, 
Basil Martin, 
Isaac Mennor, 
Robert Martin, 
Thomas McMann, 
Samuel Perry, 
Isaiah Pegram, 
Stewart W. Perry, 
Charles N. Smith, 
Martin Stewart, 
Philip Sage, 
Henry Varsop, 
Edward Webster, 
John Weid, 
William White, 
Daniel B. Wisener, 
Wm. R. Whitman. 
(24) 



COMPANY E. 

O. M. Armstrong, 
Pliny T. Averill, 
Joseph Booth, 
Hosea Birdsall, 
Bradford Blanchard, 
Clark Bailey, 
Newton Belden, 
Oscar Blakesley, 
John H. Beleon, 
Ezra Brainard, 
Israel Buzzard, 
Manly M. Boyington, 
Levi Bankman, 
Andrew J. Buck, 
James Baker, jr., 
Charles Barney, 
Owen Carrack, 
Edward Crow, 
Jonathan W. Crawford, 
Milo Crawford, 
Chauncey T. Carpenter, 
Clarence D. Case, 
James Caffrey, 
William Carter, 
William Campion, 
Augustus S. Denton, 
William Deal, 
Harrison M. Dickey, 
John M. Davis, 
Charles E. Durfee, 
Fred'k H. Esenhart, 
George Frear, 
Jerome B. Frasier, 
James W. Goodfellow, 
James S. Gouder, 
William H. Giles, 
Rudolph E. Hammond, 
Daniel Harrington, 
John H. Hawkins, 
Hiram Kenyon, 
Melvin G. Lincoln, 
Charles Leigh, 
Lyman W. Liscomb, 
Charles McKenstry, 
Frederick C. Moore, 
John M. Marlow, 
Lewis Metcalf, 
William. H. Parker, 
Augustus N. Parker, 



Nathan Penrod, 
Patrick Quickley, 
Owen Riley, 
C. Sidman,* 
Charles B. Salsbury, 
John Sixby, 
Townsend Trombley, 
George Vandine, 
W. C. Wilmarth, 
George E. Walcott, 
William Welch, 
James E. Whalon, 
Duane Witherell, 
Julius M. Ward, 
Henry O. Wheaton, 
Hollis A. Ward, 
Erskine Wood. 

COMPANY F. 

William Ayling, 
Chas. E. Armstrong, 
Nelson Burch, 
Adam Burwell, 
James C. Bruce, 
George Brookleback, 
William H. Bailey. 
James Canary* 
Gideon Chilson, 
Angus Campbell, 
Jeremiah Crawley, 
John G. Collins, 
William L. Congell, 
William B. Cox, 
Orson J. Davis, 
Charles Davis, 
George R. Doxey, 
Henry De Rosslyn, 
Rodney Enos,* 
Almeron Fuller, 
John French, 
John Forest, 
Charles M. Failing, 
John A. Fisher, 
Joseph Gravel,* 
Charles Gildea. 
Games Jaffley, 
Ezekiel P. Gee, 
•Charles W. Goodrich, 
Alonzo W. Hozner, 
Joshua Herrington. 



354 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Amos Jarey, 
Benj. F. Lamoyne, 
Henry Miller,* 
Robert Milburn, 
Joseph Mallette, 
David Mitchell, 
Peter Munanson, 
Charles A. Moore, 
Andrew Moore, 
Joseph Mott, 
Francis McArthur, 
William H. Marsh, 
Thomas O'Neal, 
David O'Hara, 
James B. Purdy, 
Samuel Piper, 
Luther S. Pelham, 
Edward Phillips, 
Joseph H. Reed, 
Joseph J. Roberts, 
William Reynard, 
Edward S. Rodgers, 
Alexander Reed, 
Thomas W. Rutledge, 
John B. Tutton, 
Jacob Thompson, 
Orin L. Vreeland, 
William Wallace, 
William Welch, 
William Woodley, 
Wilmot Wooleven. 

COMPANY G. 

Henry S. Barrett,* 
Sylvanus A. Bennett, 
Thomas Belknap, 
Joseph Brabau, 
Alfred Casgrain, 
Michael Cassedy, 
August Chaplin, 
Henry Campbell, 
Stephen A. Carpenter, 
Martin Conners, 
David W. Curry, 
Robert Davis, 
Thomas Delano, 
Horace Dean, 
James H. Dewer, 
Richard Eanser, 
George W. Fox, 



Wm. B. Flanigan, 
Joseph Forester, 
Patrick Hayes, 
Harvey B. Hall, 
Hub Lull, 
John Lyon, 
John Miller, 
John McLeod, 
James McGowan, 
William Reeves, 
James Smith, 
Mathus Shinners, 
Henry A. Smith, 
Frederick Shieck, 
William A. Stone, 
Edward R. Smith, 
John R. Stevenson, 
William H. Warner. 

COMPANY H. 

G. W. Brockinshaw, 
Levi Clark, 
Henry H. Connor, 
Leander G. Cutting, 
Joseph Chutter, 
John W. Coverstone, 
Thomas Cobbeldick, 
Almond S. Cook, 
Edward Calkins, 
John V. Dobson, 
Porter A. Dean, 
James Edwards, 
Edward English, 
Sharon Elrick,* 
Christopher H. Fetzmire, 
Andrew Fetchelon, 
George Gottwald, 
William Gibbons,* 
Philo Hallett, 
John B. Hill, 
Daniel Horning, 
Frank E. Higbee, 
Eleazer B. Howard, 
Caleb G. Howell, 
Frederick W. Holmes, 
Benjamin H. Hodge, 
John Hogan, 
Richard Hannis, 
Edward D. Hoisington, 
Mader Isabell, 



Thomas Iddles, 
Frank Joslyn, 
William Johnson, 
Thomas Kane, 
James H. Kennicut, 
Francis Little, 
Bernard Lucke, 
Daniel McGraw, 
Angus Matherson, 
Alvin H. Martin, 
Benjamin Montville, 
Edward Newberry, 
Adolphus Nollett, 
James H. Owens, 
James W. Parker, 
John Rickel, 
William F. Rogers, 
John Rhea, 
William Steele, 
Edwin C. Stevens, 
Timothy Sullivan, 
Edward S. Staples, 
Archibald Shotwell, 
Dewain Sweezy, 
Morris J. Smith, 
Chauncey W. Stevens, 
William W. Studley, 
Alfred Turner, 
Andrew Timis, 
Henry Turner, 
Frank Whipple, 
Charles F. Wickwire, 
Charles Weed.* 

COMPANY I. 

Franklin Bichard, 
Mathew Black, 
George Brown, 
James Blythman, 
Emery O. B. Chadwick, 
Day Cudderback, 
John M. Chapman, 
Michael Donohue, 
Edward N. Davie, 
William Davaney, 
William Davis, 
Thomas Evans, 
Henry Franklin, 
James Fancheon, 
William Graham, 



RECRUITS. 



355 



William Graham, Jr., 
William Gault, 
Sylvester R. Holden, 
Theodore Hiller, 
John Hollingvvorth, 
William Hagarty, 
Robert Johnson, 
Henry Jeffrey, 
James Jeffrey, 
James Kelley,* 
John Louw, 
Ezra Lewis, 
Spencer Langdon, 
Cornelius Locker, 
John McGlenchy, 
Edward Major, 
Wm. H. Morton, 
James H. Nortrand, 
Garrett N. Nieland, 
John O'Connor, 
John W. Norris, 
Orison C. Pierson, 
Amos H. Palmer. 
Solomon Phagon, 
William L. Pattison, 
Thomas E. Paver, 
John Quinn, 
Joseph Quibell, 
Peter Riley,* 
Everett Russell, 
Jackson Robertson, 
James Roe, 
John Ryan, 
Richard Rone, 
John Rooney, 
Charles M. Richeson, 
Thomas Roberts, 
Joseph Sharpless, 
William W. Sly, 
Harvey Smith, 
Job W. Sexton, 
Richard Somers, 
Joseph Sampler, 
John Scrivan, 
John K. Taylor, 
William H. Thomas. 
William Utley, 
William D. Warner, 
Samuel Walters, 
Jacob Walters, 
Homer Watson. 



COMPANY K. 

James Anderson, 
George W. Annis, 
William H. Ames, 
Thomas Brown, 
William Burke, 
George G. Barre, 
George H. Barnum, 
William Breen, 
George M. Coy,* 
William Carmon, 
John Cook, 
Morris Cummings, 
Byron Crittenden, 
Wm. H. Dennison, 
George S. Engle, 
Andrew J. Gallery, 
William Gordon, 
John Hewins, 
James K. P. Heath, 
Jacob Hamp, 
William Haywood, 
John Hasley, 
Owen King, 
Edmund Little,* 
Ira Lucas, 
Seymour A. Long, 
Robert Miller, 
Andrew McBride, 
William Morse, 
Oliver G. Meacham, 
Henry L. McCarthy, 
Ezra McVay, 
Archibald McLean, 
Charles Millimine, 
George W. McGlenn, 
Bela H. Morrow, 
Simon B. Meade, 
Charles F. Marble, 
Charles E. Morgan, 
Thomas Newton, 
Evert R. Nickerson, 
Samuel O. Phelps, 
Isaac F. Parrish, 
Dexter B. Proper, 
Henry J. Philleo, 
Albert H. Reed, 
Sylvester Riggs, 
Elijah J. Rhinehart, 
John Shoemaker, 



William A. Smalley, 
Edson Sherman, 
Timothy Shein, 
Peter Shewfelt, 
James K. Thompson, 
Stephen Underbill, 
Henry H. Van Est, 
John Vandercruk, 
William C. Voorhies, 
J. Wickham,* 
Albert O. Williams, 
James H. Webb, 
Richard A. Ward, 
Luther White, 
George H. West. 

UNASSIGNED. 

James Ackley, 
Bela Ames, 
William H. Ames, 
James A. Armstrong, 
Richard H. Blodgett, 
Austin Birch, 
David Boyd, 
Charles F. Beardsley, 
Detzel Bradford, 
James Brooks, 
George A. Bidwell, 
Robert Burton, 
Ezra C. Crane, 
George R. Chapman, 
George Cornwell, 
Moulton H. Canfield, 
James S. Cole, 
Jacob Cole, 
William E. Craig, 
Marshal B. Dunlap, 
James Daama, 
Theodore Dickinson, 
Dexter Davis, 
Peter Frey, 
John R. Fowler, 
Elmore Gates, 
Peter D. Gibson, 
Henry Griffith, 
James A. Gould, 
Edwin M. Huntington, 
Henry J. Haight, 
William Hartranft, 
William E. Hunt, 



356 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Samuel A. Hubbard, 
Michael Hartigan, 
George Hett, 
John Harris, 
Robert Harding, 
William Havens, 
William Hollister, 
Nelson Hendershot, 
Edward Harrison, 
George S. Johnson, 
John Jones, 
Edward Leeland, 
Lewis Lebeaux, 
Lewis Mapes, 
Jackson R. Myres, 
Jacob Munshaw, 
Jerome Moekma, 
William H. Mitchell, 



John Niblas, 
Mathew Notier, 
Edwin C. Noyes, 
John Preston, 
Jasper Perry, 
Charles Pike, 
Frank S. Popplewell, 
William A. Peavey, 
Amos W. Rogers, 
Richard R. Root, 
George Reese, 
Otis Reed, 
B. J. Reeves, 
David R. Ragan, 
Maxwin Robedeaux, 
Edward Robinson, 
David B. Shannon, 
Charles H. Safford, 
William W. Lewis, 



Emery D. Still, 
Richard Scarritt, 
James Thomas, 
John F. Tidd, 
Gardner A. Terry, 
Henry G. Thompson, 
Jos. T. Van Amburg, 
David R. Wood, 
Ira Wayland, 
Robert Wycoff, 
Henry White, 
William Wright, 
James W. Whittaker, 
Wm. W. Woodford, 
Christopher A. Walker, 
William Weir, 
Hamilton Walker, 
Wm. H. Wright. 



The " unassigned " enlisted before the close of the war, but most 
of them arrived in Camp Butler for the Twenty-fourth Michigan, a 
few days after its maximum number was made up. They were 
organized into a company by themselves and Lieut. Augustus 
F. Ziegler was detailed by Col. A. M. Edwards to command them. 
They were discharged with the regiment. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



F 



Roster of The Officers. 



OLLOWING are the records of the officers of the Twenty- 
fourth Michigan Infantry. The star (*) signifies: 
" Mustered out with the Regiment at Detroit, Michigan, 
June 30, 1865." 

FIELD AND STAFF. 



Henry A. Morrow. Colonel, Aug. 15, 1862. Brevet Brig.-Gen'l U. S. Vols, by 
the President on recommendation of Gen. Meade, Dec. 2, 1864, to rank from A.ug. i, 1864, 
" for gallant and distinguished services during the present campaign before Richmond." 
Brevet Major-Gen'l, U. S. Vols., to rank from Feb. 6, 1865, " for conspicuous bravery 
and general good conduct at the battle of Dabney's Mills, Va." — On leaves of absence 
from Feb. 12 to 16, from March 24 to April i, from June i to 5, 1863 ; from March 7 to 
II, and Sept. 20 to Nov. 12, 1864. On sick leaves from July 14 to Aug. 7 and Oct. 10 to 
Dec. 6, 1863. On Recruiting Service in Michigan from March 21 to May i and Aug. 2 to 
Sept. 20, 1864. On Court of Inquiry at Columbus, Ohio, from Oct. 5 to Nov. 7, 1S64. — 
Commanded Iron Brigade from Nov, 4 to 6, 1862 ; from June 7 to 13 and Aug. 21 to 23, 
1863 ; from Jan. 3 to Feb. 28, 1864 ; and from Dec. 22, 1864 to Jan. 20, 1865. — In battles 
of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness and 
Dabney's Mill. On Mud March and Raid on Weldon Railroad to Hicksford on the 
Meherrin River. In command of Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions and jointly 
with Col. Bragg of the 6th Wis. at Fitzhugh Crossing ; also, on Raccoon Ford recon- 
noissance. — Wounded at Gettysburg July i, 1S63, and taken prisoner. Escaped without 
parole on July 4. Wounded severely in leg at Wilderness, May 5, 1864 ; also wounded at 
Dabney's Mill, Feb. 7, 1864. — Left Regiment permanently at Springfield, 111., April 14, 
1865, to command the Iron Brigade, until June 22 In command of Provisional Division 
(including Iron Brigade), at Louisville, Ky, from June 22 to July 19, 1865, when he was 
mustered out. Lieut. -Colonel 36th U. S. Inf. July 28, 1866. To 15th U. S. Inf. March 
15. 1869. Colonel 2ist U. S. Inf. April 27, 1879. 

Mark Flanigan. Lieut. -Colonel, Aug. 15, 1862. In command of Regiment from 
Nov. 4 to 6, 1862 ; Feb. 9 to 16, March 24 to April i, June i to 5 and 7 to 13, 1863. — In 
battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud 
March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions. Wounded at Gettysburg, losing a 
leg. Discharged for wounds Nov. 21, 1863. Brevet Colonel, U. S. Vols.. March 13, 
1865, " for gallantry in action at Fredericksburg, Va " Brevet Brig.-Gen'l, March 13, 
1865, " for meritorious conduct in the campaign of Gettysburg, Pa., and for services in 
that engagement." 

William W. Wight. Captain of K, July 26, 1862. Lieut. -Colonel, Feb. i, 1864 
to rank from Nov. 22, 1863. In command of Regiment from Feb. i to 28 ; from March 

(357) • 



358 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

8 to II ; from March 21 to May i; from May 5 to 9 and from May 23 to June 9, 1864. In 
battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust 
Grove, Wilderness (May 6 and 7, 1864),! Laurel Hill (May 8),f Jericho Ford.f North 
Anna.f Tolopotomoy and Bethesda Church, f On Port Royal and Westmoreland 
Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers and Mine Run; also. Raccoon Ford Reconnoissance. 
— On sick leaves from Jan. i to Feb. 8 and from Aug. 11 to Oct. 6, 1863. In Field 
Hospital from May 9 to 23, 1864. Wounded at Gettysburg. Resigned for disability, 
June 9, 1864. Left the Regiment behind their works near Bethesda Church. 

Albert M. Edwards. Captain of F, Aug. 15, 1862, to rank from July 26. Major, 
Feb. I, 1864, to rank from Nov. 22, 1863. Lieut. -Colonel, July 17, 1864, to rank from 
June 9. Acting Assistant Inspector General from June 11 to 13, 1863. Brevet Colonel, 
March 13, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious services during the war." — In command of 
Regiment from 4.30 p. m. July i to July 4, 1863; from July 14 to Aug. 9, from Aug. 21 to 
23 and Oct. 10 to Dec. 6, 1863: also, from Jan. 3 to Feb i, May 9 to 23 and June 9 to 
Nov. 13, 1864; also, from Jan 17 to 20, from Jan. 24 to March 31, from April 14 to 22, 
on May 4 and from June 17 to 30, 1865. — To Alexandria for 1,300 convalescents, June 25 
to 29, 1863. On leave of absence from Feb. 10 to 25, 1864; a:lso from Dec. 22, 1864, to 
Jan. 16, 1865. To New York with recruits from April 5 to 12, 1865. In command of 
Camp Butler, 111., from April 14 to 25, 1865. President of General Court Martial at 
Springfield, 111., from April 24 to June 17, 1865. On Guard of Honor over President 
Lincoln's remains. May 3, 1865. — In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg (in command after 4.30 p. m. July i,) Locust Grove, f 
Wilderness, Laurel Hill, (May 9 to 12), f Salient at Spottsylvania,f Jericho Ford, North 
Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, f Petersburg,! Siege of 
Petersburg,! Weldon Railroad, f Hatcher's Runf and Dabney's Mill.f On Mud 
xMarch, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers,! Mine 
Run,f Reconnoissances to Raccoonville, Yellow Tavernf and Vaughn Road,f and Raid 
to Meherrin River.* Never wounded— In every battle and march of the regiment. 

Henry W. Nall. Major, Sept. 4, 1862. Appointed to try cases in Regimental 
Court Martial offenses, Sept. 25. In battle of Fredericksburg. On sick leave from Dec. 
18, 1862, until honorably discharged for sickness, April 17, 1863. Left Regiment in 
bivouac near Falmouth, Dec. 20, 1862. 

Edwin B. Wight. Captain of A, July 26, 1862. Acting Major from Dec. 18, 

1862, to June 22, 1863, when he was mustered as full Major to rank from June i. 
Appointed Dec. 24, 1862, to try cases in Regimental Court Martial offenses. In battles of 
Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud March, 
Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions and Campaign of Maneuvers. Wounded at 
Gettysburg July i, 1863, losing an eye, while acting as Lieutenant-Colonel. Returned to 
Regiment Sept. 23 while it was at "Camp Peck" near Culpepper, Va. Honorably 
discharged for wounds, Nov. 17, 1863, being pronounced by his Division and Corps. 
Surgeons unfit for further duty in the field. Left Regiment near Beverly Ford, Nov. 
20, 1863. 

William Hutchinson, ist Lieutenant of G, July 26, 1862. Captain, April 20, 

1863, to rank from March 10. Major, July 17, 1864, to rank from June 9. Brevet 
Lieut. -Colonel, March 13, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious service during the war." In 
command of the Regiment from Dec. 22, 1864, to Jan. 17, 1865, and from April 22 to 
June 17. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
Locust Grove, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad and Hatcher's Run. On Mud March, 



t In command of Regiment. 



ROSTER OF THE OFFICERS. 359 

Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, 
Reconnoissances to Yellow Tavern and Vaughn Road and Raid to Meherrin River. — On 
detached service in Michigan from Feb. 5 to June 19, 1864. Wounded at Gettysburg and 
behind works before Petersburg, June iq, 1864, a few minutes after his return to Regiment 
from Michigan. On leave of absence from Jan. 20 to Feb. 22 and from March i to 
April 22, 1865. Served a tour as Guard of Honor over remains of President Lincoln, 
May 3, 1865.* 

Dr. John H. Beech. Surgeon, Aug. 24, 1862, to rank from. Aug 15. With 
wounded at Gettysburg until Aug. 19, 1863. Acting Brigade Surgeon Dec. 31, 1863, 
Surgeon-in-Chief of Iron Brigade from July, 1864, to March, 1865. Returned to Regiment 
at Camp Butler, 111., March 12. Resigned for ill health, April, 4, 1865. 

Dr. Charles C. Smith. ist Assistant Surgeon, Aug. 15, 1862. Honorably 
discharged on tender of resignation, Feb. 14, 1863. Left Regiment at Belle Plain, Va., 
Feb. 16, 1863. 

Dr. Alexander Collar. 2d Assistant Surgeon, Aug. 18, 1862, to "rank from Aug. 

14. Left with wounded at Gettysburg until honorably discharged for ill health, Sept. 18, 
1863. 

Dr. George W. Towar, jr. Joined Regiment at Belle Plain, as Assistant Surgeon, 
Aprils, 1863, to rank from March i. On duty with sharpshooters connected with the 
Iron Brigade, during autumn of 1863 till Nov. ist. With wounded after Wilderness from 
May 5 to May 29, 1864. Returned to duty with Regiment.* 

Dr. Edward Lauderdale. 2d Assistant Surgeon, April ir, 1865, to rank from 
March 30. Joined Regiment at Camp Butler, 111.* 

James J. Barns, ist Lieut, and Adjutant, Aug 15, 1862. On sick leave from 
Oct. 25, 1S62, to Feb. 5, 1863. In battles of Fitzhugh Crossing and Chancellorsville. 
On Port Royal Expedition. Resigned for disability May 9, 1863. Left Regiment at 
"Camp Way" near Fitzhugh. 

Seril Chilson. Enlisted in D, Aug. 5, 1862. To 4th Corporal Jan. 25, 1S63. 
Brigade Quartermaster's Clerk from Jan. 10 to Aug, 27, 1863. ist Lieut, and Adjutant, 
Sept. 15, 1863. On leave of absence from Dec. 19, 1863, to Jan. 5, 1864. Acting Aide 
on General Cutler's Staff, at Division Headquarters, June 5, 1864. In battle of 
Fredericksburg, Campaign of Maneuvers, Locust Grove, Mine Run, Reconnoissance to 
Raccoonville, battles of Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, North 
Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Killed in battle 
before Petersburg, June 18, 1864. 

Lewis H. Chamberlin. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in F. To 4th Sergeant Aug. 

15. On detached service at ist Army Corps Headquarters from May 17 to Sept. 9, 1863. 
To 1st Sergeant, May i, 1864. ist Lieutenant, July 6, 1864, to rank from Nov. 22, 1863. 
(Not mustered.) ist Lieutenant and Adjutant, July 28, 1864 to rank from June 19. — On 
detached service at Grand Rapids and Jackson, Mich., from Feb. i to Aug. 13, 1864. 
Returned to Regiment Aug. 14, 1864. — In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroads 
Hatcher's Run, and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal Expedition, Campaign 
of Maneuvers, Mine Run, Reconnoissances to Yellow Tavern, Vaughn Road and Raid to 
Meherrin River. — Wounded at Dabney's Mill, F'eb. 7, 1865. To New York with 300 
conscripts from Camp Butler, 111, in March, 1S65.* 

DiGBY V. Bell, jr. ist Lieut, and Regimental Quartermaster, July 28, 1862. 
Acting Brigade Commissary, Nov. 4 1862. On leave of absence from Feb. 25 to 



360 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

March 15, 1863. Acting Commissary of Subsistence for Iron Brigade, Oct. 18, 1863. 
Honorably discharged on tender of resignation, Nov. 3, 1863. Left Regiment near 
Beverly Ford, Va. , Nov. 17. 

David Congdon. Enlisted in H, Aug. 8, 1862. Quartermaster's Clerk, October, 
1862. ist Lieut, and Regimental Quartermaster, Jan. 27, 1864, to rank from Nov. 3, 
1863.* 

Rev. William C. Way. Chaplain, Aug. 19, 1862, to rank from July 26. With 
wounded several weeks after Gettysburg. Returned to Regiment, Sept. 13, 1863. On 
duty in Field Hospital of 4th Division, 5th Corps, from July 4 to Sept. 23, 1864, and for 
two weeks from Nov. 15. Correspondent of Detroit Tribune while in the service. Only 
Chaplain of a Michigan Regiment who remained in the service from the muster-in to the 
muster-out of his regiment.* 



LINE OFFICERS — CAPTAINS. 

Isaac W. Ingersoll. Captain of B, July 26, 1862. In battle of Fredericksburg. 
Resigned for old age and disability, Dec. 20, 1862. Left Regiment on march from 
Falmouth to Belle Plain, Dec. 22, 1862. 

Calvin B. Crosby. Captain of C, July 26, 1862. Resigned for ill health, Dec. 
5, 1862. Left Regiment at Brooks' Station, Va., Dec. 9. 

William J. Speed. Captain of D, July 26, 1862. Division Judge Advocate of 
General Court Martial, October, 1862. On Sick Leave from Jan. 3 to Feb. 7, 1863. 
In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. 
On Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions. Killed at Gettysburg, July i. 1863, 
while Acting-Major of his Regiment. 

James Cullen. Captain of E, July 2b, 1862. In battle of Fredericksburg. 
Resigned for disability, Dec. 20, 1862. Left Regiment on march from Falmouth to 
Belle Plain. 

William A. Owen. Captain of G, July 26, 1862. Wounded at Fredericksburg, 
Dec. 13, 1862, by concussion of spine by shell. Absent in General Hospital from 
Dec. 16, 1862, to March 7, 1863. Discharged March 14, 1863, at Belle Plain, Va., for 
injury received in action at Fredericksburg. 

Warren G. Vinton. Captain of H, July 26, 1862. In battle of Fredericksburg, 
Dec. 13, 1862. Honorably discharged for ill health upon advice of surgeons, Dec. 29, 

1862. Left Regiment at Belle Plain, Va. 

George C. Gordon. Captain of I, July 26, 1862. In battles of Fredericksburg, 
Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud March, Port Royal 
and Westmoreland Expeditions. Prisoner at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Confined in 
Libby, Andersonville and Millen, Ga., and Columbia, S. C. Escaped three times and 
twice re-captured. Final escape, Feb. 14, 1865. Returned to Regiment at Camp 
Butler, 111., May i. Nominally in command of Regiment, June 16, 1865 — one day. 
Brevet Major, March 13, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious services during the 
war."* 

William H. Rexeord. ist Lieutenant of B, July 26, 1862. Captain, Dec. 20, 
to rank from Dec. 13. Acting Adjutant from May 9 to July i, 1863. In battles of 
Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud 
March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 

1863. Honorably discharged for wounds, Nov. 21, 1863. 



ROSTER OF THE OFFICERS. 361 

Charles A. Hoyt. ist Lieutenant of C, July 26, 1862. Captain, Dec. 13. On 
Sick Leave from March 18 to May 10, 1863. In battles of Fredericksburg and 
Gettysburg. On Mud March and Westmoreland Expeditions. Wounded at 
Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1S62, and severely at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Honorably 
discharged for wounds, Nov. 21, 1863. 

MAL.A.CHI J. O'DoNNELL. 2d Lieutenant of E, July 26, 1862. Captain, Dec. 24. 
In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. 
On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland E.\peditions. Killed at Gettysburg, 
July I, 1863. 

John C. Merritt. ist Lieutenant of H, July 26, 1862. Captain, Dec. 29. On 
Leave of Absence from April 26 to May 10, 1863. In battle of Fredericksburg. On 
Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions. Sent to Georgetown 
Hospital, June 18, while Regiment was at Guilford C. H., Va. Died of typhoid fever 
at Georgetown, D. C, July 9, 1863. 

Richard S. Dillon, ist Lieutenant of A, July 26, 1862. Captain, June 22, 
1863, to rank from. June i. Acting Assistant Inspector General of Iron Brigade from 
Jan. 6 to Aug. 5, 1864. Brevet Major, April 9, 1865, " for meritorious services during 
the campaign terminating in the surrender of the insurgent army under Gen. R. E. 
Lee." On Recruiting Service in Michigan from Aug. 6 to Nov. 2, 1864. In command 
of Pioneers, Headquarters 3d Division, 5th Corps, from December, 1864, until after 
Lee's surrender. Returned to Regiment at Camp Butler, 111., May 30, 1865. In 
battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust 
Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill. Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, North Anna, 
Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of 
Petersburg, Dabney's Mill, Boydton Plank Road, White Oak Ridge, Five Forks and 
Appomattox. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign 
of Maneuvers, Mine Run and Raid to Meherrin River. Wounded at Gettysburg, 
July I, 1863, and returned to duty August 30, 1863.* 

John M. Farland. ist Lieutenant of D, July 26, 1862. Acting Assistant 
Quartermaster, ist Corps, from March 20 to May 15, 1863. Captain, Aug. 31, 1863, to 
rank from July 4. In battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and 
Locust Grove. On Mud March, Westmoreland Expedition, Campaign of l^Ianeuvers, 
Mine Run and Reconnoissance to Raccoonville. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 
1863. Returned to Regiment in August. On Sick Leave from March 20, 1864, 
until discharged for disability, July 9, 1864. 

George Hutton. ist Sergeant of G, July 24, 1862. Ordnance Sergeant, 
Nov. 13, 1862. 2d Lieutenant of C, Dec 13. Acting Adjutant from Jan. 17 to Feb. 8, 
1863. Acting Regimental Quartermaster from Feb. 23 to March 23. ist Lieutenant 
of I, March i. Acting Adjutant from July 2 to Sept. 15. Captain of E, Aug, 31, 1863, 
to rank from July 4. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove and Wilderness. On Mud March, Port Royal and 
Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run and Reconnoissance 
to Raccoonville. Killed in Wilderness battle, May 5, 1864. Body never found. 
Supposed to have been burned 

Edwin E. Norton. Enlisted in F and became Sergeant Major, Aug. 16, 1862. 
1st Lieutenant of E, Dec. 24, 1862. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Captain 
of H, Sept. 30, 1863, to rank from July 9. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh 
Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove and Wilderness. On Mud 
March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine 
C?5) 



362 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Run and Reconnoissance to Raccoon Ford. Prisoner at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 
Released Feb. 8, 1865, Returned to Regiment at Camp Butler, 111., April 26.* (Had 
been private in ist Michigan, 3 mo.. Inf.) 

George W. Burchell. 2d Lieutenant of G, July 26, 1862. ist Lieutenant, 
April 17, 1863, to rank from March 10. Captain of B, Jan. 29, 1864, to rank from Nov. 
21, 1863. On Recruiting Service in Michigan from March 24 to May 3, 1864. In battles 
of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing (field of Chancellorsville), Locust Grove, 
Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottyslvania, Bethesda Church (field of Cold 
Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad and Hatcher's Run. On 
Mud March, Port Royal ■ Expedition, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, 
Reconnoissances to Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern and Vaughn Road. — Wounded at 
Fitzhugh Crossing, April 29, 1863. Returned to Regiment in August. W'd at Laurel 
Hill, May, 12, 1864. Returned to duty June 3. W'd before Petersburg, June 18. 
Returned to duty June 26, 1864. Appointed, Dec. 28, 1864, to try Regimental Court 
Martial cases. Resigned for disability Jan. 21, 1865. Left Regiment at " Camp 
Crawford," in front of Petersburg. 

John Witherspoon. ist Sergeant of B, July 24, 1862. 2d Lieutenant, Dec. 13. 
On leave of absence from Jan. 14 to 31, 1863. ist Lieutenant of C, Sept. i, 1863, to 
rank from July 14. Captain, Feb. i, 1864, to rank from Nov. 22, 1863. Wounded at 
Wilderness, May 5, 1864. Returned August 5. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh 
Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Weldon Railroad, 
Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. On Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, 
Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, and Siege of Petersburg, on Reconnoissances to 
Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern and Vaughn Road. On General Court Martial at 
Springfield, 111., June 14 to 17, 1865.* (Private in ist Michigan, 3 mo.. Inf. Severely 
wounded in wrist at Bull Run, July 21, 1861.) 

William R. Dodsley. Enlisted in H, Aug. 5, 1862. ist Sergeant, Aug. 15. 
2d Lieutenant to rank from Dec. 29. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 1S63. Returned 
July 27. 1st Lieutenant of K, to rank from Sept. i, 1863. Captain, Feb. i, 1864, to 
rank from Nov. 22, 1863. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at 
Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, (field of 
Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and 
Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign 
of Maneuvers, Mine Run, Reconnoissances to Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern, Vaughn 
Road and Raid to Meherrin River. Served on Court Martial while in front of 
Petersburg, Va., and on General Court Martial in Springfield, 111., from April 24 to 
June 17; 1865. Served as Guard of Honor over remains of President Lincoln, at 
Springfield Capitol, 111., May 3, 1865.* 

George W. Haigh. ist Sergeant of D, Aug. 12, 1862. Acting Regimental 
Quartermaster from Oct. 18, 1863, to Jan. 29, 1864, and from March 13 to April 22, 
1864. 1st Lieutenant, Oct. 7, 1863, to rank from July 4. Wounded at Fitzhugh 
Crossing, April 29, 1863. Returned June 23. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. 
Captain, May 3, 1864, to rank from Nov. 22, 1863. In battles of Fredericksburg, 
Fitzhugh Crossing, (field of Chancellorsville), Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, 
Jericho Ford, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), 
Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. 
On Mud March, Port Royal Expedition, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, 
Reconnoissances to Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern, Vaughn Road and Raid to 
Meherrin River. 



ROSTER OF THE OFFICERS, 363 

H. Rees Whiting. 2d Lieutenant of A, July 26, 1862. Acting Adjutant from 
Oct. 23, 1862, to Jan. 25, 1863. Wounded at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. Captured 
at Gettysburg, July I, 1863. Paroled from Libby Prison, March 14, 1864. Returned 
to duty June 29, 1864. Captain of E, to rank from May 6. In battles of Fredericksburg, 
Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon 
Railroad, Hatcher's Run, Dabney's Mills, Boydton Plank Road, White Oak Road, 
Five Forks and Appomattox. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland 
Expeditions, Reconnoissances to Yellow Tavern, Vaughn Road and Raid to Meherrin 
River. Acting Aide on Staff of Gen'l Henry A. Morrow, 3d Brigade, and Stafif of 
Gen'l Crawford of 3d Division, 5th Corps, from Feb. 5, 1865, till after Lee's surrender. 
Returned to Regiment at Camp Butler, 111., June 8. Brevet Major, April i, 1865, " for 
gallant and meritorious services in front of Petersburg."* 

Andrew J. Connor. Enlisted in F, Aug. 5, 1862, and became Adjutant's 
Clerk. Sergeant Major, April 17, 1863, to rank from March 10. Wounded at 
Gettysburg, July, I, 1863. Returned to duty Aug. 2j. ist Lieutenant of E, Oct. 7, to 
rank from July g. Acting Adjutant from December 20, 1863, to Jan. 5, 1864. Acting 
Regimental Quartermaster from April 22 to 25, 1S64. Captain of F, June 9 and of G, 
Aug. 4, 1864. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho 
Ford, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, 
Siege of Petersburg and Weldon Railroad. On Mud March, Port Royal and 
Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers and Mine Run, and Reconnois- 
sances to Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern and Vaughn Road. Discharged for disability, 
Oct. 14, 1864. 

Benjamin W. Hendricks. 2d Sergeant in G, Aug. 12, 1862 ist Sergeant, 
Feb. 20, 1863. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. On Recruiting service in 
Michigan from Jan. 4 to April 25, 1864. ist Lieutenant of E, April 30, 1864, to rank 
from Nov. 21, 1863. In command of F, May 3, 1864. Wounded in Wilderness, May 6. 
Captain of G, Nov. 19, 1864, to rank from Oct. 14. Wounded at Dabney's Mill, Feb. 6, 
1865. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
Locust Grove, Wilderness, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and 
Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, 
Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, Reconnoissances to Yellow Tavern and Vaughn 
Road, and on Raid to Meherrin River.* 

George A. Ross. 2d Corporal in F, Aug. 13, 1862. 3d Sergeant, Sept. 29. ist 
Sergeant, July i, 1863. On Recruiting Service in Michigan from Jan. 4 to April 25, 
1864. . 1st Lieutenant of I, April 28, 1864, to rank from April 13. Captain of F, Oct. 
26, 1864, to rank from Oct. 17. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at 
Spottsylvania, Jericho, Ford, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of 
Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad and Hatcher's Run. 
On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers 
and Mine Run ; Reconnoissances to Yellow Tavern and Vaughn Road, and Raid to 
Meherrin River. On Leave of Absence from Jan. 20 to Feb. 10, 1865. On General 
Court Martial at Springfield, 111., June 14 to 17, 1865.* 

Edward B. Wilkie. 5th Sergeant in A, Aug. 12, 1862. 4th Sergeant, Nov. 13. 

2d Sergeant, Jan. 24, 1863. Ist Lieutenant, Oct. 7, 1863, to rank from June i. In 

command of G, Jan. 24, 1864 ; of I, May 3 ; of G, from Oct. 15 to Nov. ig, and of H 

from Dec. i to March 14, 1865. Missing May 5 to 19, 1864. To duty July 3, 1864. 

t 



364 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust 
Grove, Wilderness, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and 
Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, 
Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run ; Reconnoisances to Raccoon Ford, Yellow 
Tavern, Vaughn Road, and Raid to Meherrin River. Captain of B, March 14, 1865, 
to rank from Jan. 21.* 



FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

John J. Lennon. ist Lieutenant of E, July 26, 1862. In battle of Fredericksburg. 
Honorably discharged for disability, Dec. 20, 1862. 

Ara W. Sprague. 1st Lieutenant of F, July 26, 1862. In battles of Fredericks- 
burg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud March, Port 
Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions. Prisoner at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Died in 
rebel prison at Charleston, S. C, Oct. 14, 1864. 

Henry P. Kinney, ist Lieutenant of I, July 26, 1862. Acting Regimental 
Quartermaster, Nov. 7, 1862. In battle of Fredericksburg. Dismissed by order, 
Jan. 28, 1863. 

Walter H. Wallace, ist Lieutenant of K, July 26, 1862. In battles of 
Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud March, 
Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions. Killed at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. 

Frederick Augustus Buhl. 2d Lieutenant of B, July 26, 1862. Acting Aide 
on Staff of Gen'l Meredith from Nov. 10 to Dec. 4. ist Lieutenant of B, Dec. 20, to 
rank from Dec. 13. Acting Regimental Quartermaster, March 23, 1863. In command 
of B, at Gettysburg, where he was wounded, July i, 1863. Returned to duty in 
September. — In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and 
Gettysburg. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions and 
Campaign of Maneuvers. Resigned Nov. 10, 1863, to accept Captain's commission in 
1st Michigan Cavalry. Left Regiment, Nov. 17, at "Camp Dickey," near Beverly 
Ford, Va. Subsequently killed in action. 

WiNFiELD S. Safford. 2d Lieutenant of C, July 26, 1862. ist Lieutenant, 
Dec. 13. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and 
Gettysburg. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions. Killed at 
Gettysburg, July i, 1B63. 

Newell Grace. 2d Lieutenant of H, July 26, 1862. ist Lieutenant, March, 
1S63, to rank from Dec. 13, 1S62. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing. 
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland 
Expeditions. Mortally wounded at Gettysburg, July, i, 1863. Died at Seminary 
Hospital, July 3. 

EvERARD B. Welton. 2d Sergeant in H, Aug. 13, 1862. ist Sergeant, Jan. i, 
1863. On Recruiting Service in Michigan from Jan. 4 to April 25, 1864. ist 
Lieutenant, April 29, 1864, to rank from July 9, 1863. Acting Adjutant from June 5 to 
Aug. 15, 1864. In command of H, Aug. 15. Acting Assistant Provost Marshal at 
3d Division Headquarters, 5th Corps, from Oct. 11, 1864, until after the surrender of 
Lee. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, North 
Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Weldon 
Railroad, Hatcher's Run, Dabney's Mill, Boydton Plank Road, White Oak Road, Five 



ROSTER OF THE OFFICERS. 365 

Forks and Appomattox. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, 
Campaign of Maneuvers and Mine Run; on Reconnoissances to Yellow Tavern, 
Vaughn Road and Raid to Meherrin, River.* 

Abraham Earnshaw. Enlisted in I, July 26, 1862. 2d Sergeant, Aug. 15. 1st 
Sergeant, April 5, 1863. 2d Lieutenant, June 20, 1863, to rank from June i. W'd at 
Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Returned Sept. 19. ist Lieutenant, Oct. 26, to rank from 
July 4. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
and Locust Grove. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, 
Campaign of Maneuvers and Mine Run. Dismissed by order, March 4, 1864. 

George H. Pinkney. Enlisted in B, Aug 12, 1862. 3d Sergeant, Aug. i6. ist 
Sergeant, July i, 1863. On Recruiting Service in Michigan from Jan. 4 to April 25, 
1864. 1st Lieutenant of K, April 28, to rank from Nov. 10, 1863. Wounded at 
Gettysburg, July i, 1863, and before Petersburg, June 21, 1864. In battles of 
Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 
Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania. Jericho Ford, North Anna, 
Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), and Petersburg. On Mud 
March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers and Mine 
Run. Accidentally killed by discharge of a revolver in hands of a Union soldier in a 
tent at Camp Taylor, near Arlington Heights, Va., Aug. 15, 1864. 

Michael Dempsey. Enlisted in E, July 21, 1862. 5th Sergeant, Aug. 15. 3d 
Sergeant, Oct. 10. ist Sergeant, Dec. 14. 2d Lieutenant, Dec. 24. Wounded at 
Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Returned Aug. 22. ist Lieutenant, Feb. 1, 1864, to rank 
from Jan. 19. Transferred to A. Wounded at Spottsylvania, May 14, 1864. Returned 
June 3. Wounded before Petersburg, June 18. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh 
Crossing, CJiancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient 
at Spottsylvania, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), and Petersburg. On Mud 
March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine 
Run and Reconnoissance to Raccoon Ford. Left hospital at Annapolis, Md., July 11, 
1864, and dismissed the service by order, Oct, 14, 1864. 

William B. Hutchinson. 5th Sergeant in F, July 24, 1862. In Ambulance 
Corps, Oct. 12. On furlough and Recruiting Service in Michigan, from March 21 to 
April, 1863; also, from Jan. 4 to April 25, 1864. ist Lieutenant of C, April 28, to rank 
from April 15. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Locust Grove and Wilderness. On Mud March, Westmoreland 
Expedition, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run and Reconnoissance to Raccoon Ford. 
Killed in Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 

George W. Chilson. 7th Corporal in F, July 30, 1862. Wounded and paroled 
prisoner at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Returned Oct. 13, Acting Brigade Hospital 
Steward during early months of 1864. 4th Sergeant, May t, 1864. On Leave of 
Absence from June 20 to Aug. 14. ist Lieutenant of D, Aug. 15, 1864, to rank from 
May 6. In Ambulance Corps from Aug. 16 to September. Acting Regimental 
Quartermaster from Oct. 3, 1S64, to Jan. 8, 1865. Acting Adjutant from Jan. 8 to Feb. 
I, 1865. Acting Aide in 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 5th Corps, Feb. 5, 1865. Returned 
to Regiment at Springfield, 111. Acting Adjutant from March 30 to April 5, 1S65. On 
General Court Martial at Springfield, 111, from April 24 to June 17, 1865 — In battles of 
Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 
Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, North Anna, 
Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg 
and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, 
Campaign of Maneuvers and Mine Run.* 



366 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Alonzo Eaton. Enlisted in E, Aug. 11, and became Quartermaster Sergeant 
Aug. 12, 1862. On Recruiting Service in Michigan, March 20, 1864. 1st Lieutenant 
of B, July 17, 1864, to rank from June 9. Captured at Weldon Railroad battle, Aug. 
19, 1864. Prisoner of war in Libby, Salisbury, N. C, and near Columbia, S. C, until 
Feb. 22, 1865. Returned to Regiment May i, 1865.* 

Albert Wilford. Enlisted in G, Aug. 12, 1862. ist Corporal, May 29, 1863. 
On furlough and Recruiting Service in Michigan, from Dec. 15, 1863, to May i, 1864. 
1st Lieutentant of C, Aug. 15, 1864, to rank from July ig. In command of H from 
Oct. II to Dec. 5, 1864. Returned to duty in C. In battles of Fredericksburg, 
Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel 
Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda 
Church, (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad 
and Hatcher's Run. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, 
Campaign of Maneuvers, and Mine Run ; Reconnoissances to Yellow Tavern, Vaughn 
Road, and Haid to Meherrin River.* 

Edgar A. Kimmel (Recruit), ist Lieutenant in K, Oct. 6, 1864, to rank from 
Sept. 27. In command of I, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15. Transferred to I, Feb. i, 1865, 
and in command until return of Capt. Gordon in May. In battles of Hatcher's Run 
and Dabney's Mill. On Raid to Meherrin River.* 

Shepherd L. Howard. Enlisted in D, Aug. 12, 1862. 6th Corporal, Nov. 25. 
2d Sergeant, June 25, 1863. 1st Sergeant, Oct. 7. On Recruiting Service in Michigan 
from March 21 to May i, 1864. Ist Lieutenant, Dec. 3, 1864, to rank from Oct. 4. 
Transferred to K, Feb. i, 1865. Wounded at Fitzhugh Crossing, April 29, 1863, and 
and at Laurel Hill, May 12, 1864. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
(field of Chancellorsville), Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, (field of Spottsyl- 
vania), Siege of Petersburg and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal 
Expedition, Campaign of Maneuvers and Mine Run, and Raid to Meherrin River.* 

-Samuel W. Church. 6th Corporal in B, July 24, 1862. 4th Sergeant, Nov. 18, 

1863. 1st Sergeant, May 2, 1864. Acting Sergeant Major, July 25, 1864. ist 
Lieutenant in E, Nov. 17, 1864, to rank from Oct. 14. In command of B, from Dec. 31, 

1864, to March 14, 1865; of E, from March 14 to June 10. On General Court Martial, 
at Springfield, 111., from June 14 to 17, 1865. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh 
Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, 
Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford and North Anna, _ Tolopotomoy, Bethesda 
Church, (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, 
Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland 
E.vpeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run ; Reconnoissances to Raccoon Ford, 
Yellow Tavern and Vaughn Road, and Raid to Meherrin River.* 

Augustus F. Ziegler. 2d Corporal in A, Aug. 4, 1862. 5th Sergeant, Jan. 24, 
1863. Ordnance Sergeant from Aug. 16, 1863, to Jan. 22, 1864. Sergeant Major, 
Oct. 7, 1863. 1st Lieutenant of F, Jan. 7, 1865, to rank from Oct. 14, 1864. Acting 
Adjutant, March 23 to 30, 1865. In command of Company U (unorganized Recruits), 
April 21, 1865. Wounded and prisoner in Wilderness, May 6, 1864. Returned Oct. 13. 
Wounded at Dabney's Mill, Feb. 6, 1865. Returned to Regiment March 17. In 
battles of Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, 
Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland 
Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers and Mine Run, Siege of Petersburg, Reconnois- 
sance to Raccoon Ford, and Raid to Meherrin River.* 



ROSTER OF THE OFFICERS. 367 

Elmer D. Wallace. Enlisted in H, July 25, 1862. Hospital Steward, Aug. 28, 

1862. 1st Lieutenant of B, Nov. 17, 1864, to rank from Oct. 17. In command of A, 
from Dec. 15, 1864, to May 30, 1865. On Leave of Absence from Feb. 4 to March 27, 
1865. On Raid to Meherrin River.* 

Ferdinand E. Welton. Enlisted in H, Aug. 18, 1862. 3d Corporal, Feb. 16, 

1863. 5th Sergeant, Aug. i. ist Sergeant, May 2, 1S64. On detached service to 
Grand Rapids and Jackson, Mich., Feb. 5, 1864. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 
1863, and at Petersburg, June 18, 1864 ist Lieutenant, March 20, 1865, to rank from 
Jan. 21. In command of H, from April 5 to May 18, 1865. To duty in G. In battles 
of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 
Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford and North Anna, 
Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of Peters- 
burg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port 
Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run ; Recon- 
noissances to Yellow Tavern, Vaughn Road, and Raid to Meherrin River.* 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

Charles C. Yemans. 2d Lieutenant of D, July 26, 1862. Acting Adjutant, Dec. 13 
and 14, 1862, on field of Fredericksburg, Acting Aide on Gen. Meredith's Staff, Iron 
Brigade, from Jan. 17, 1863. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Burnside's Mud March. Resigned for 
disability, Sept. i, 1863. 

Jacob M. Howard, Jr. 2d Lieutenant of F, July 26, 1862. Aide on Gen. 
Meredith's Staff, Iron Brigade, Dec. 4, 1862. Aide to Gen. Hartsuff, Jan. 2, 1863. In 
battle of Fredericksburg. Resigned Aug. 15, 1863, for promotion to Captain and 
Aide, U. S. Vols. Brevet Major and Lieut. -Colonel, Aug. 11, 1S65, "for faithful and 
meritorious services during the war." 

John M. Gordon. 2d Lieutenant of I, July 26, 1S62. Honorably discharged 
on tender of resignation, Dec. 28, 1862. 

David Birrell. 2d Lieutenant of K, July 26, 1S62. Killed in battle of 
Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 

Reuben H. Humpiireyville. Enlisted in K, Aug. 12, 1862. 2d Sergeant, 
Aug. 15. 2d Lieutenant, Jan. 10, 1863, to rank from Dec. 14. In battles of 
Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud 
March, Port Royal and Westmoreland E.xpeditions. Killed at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. 

Lucius L. Shattuck. 2d Sergeant of C, Aug. 5, 1S62. ist Sergeant, Dec. 22. 
Sergeant Major, Jan. i, 1863. Commissary Sergeant, Jan. 27. 2d Lieutenant, 
April 5, to rank from March 5. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland 
Expeditions. Killed at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. 

Wm. T. Wheeler, ist Sergent of I, July 29, 1862. 2d Lieutenant, March i, 
1863. In battle of Fredericksburg. On Mud March and Port Royal Expeditions. 
Dismissed the service by order, Slay 26, 1863. (Had been Corporal in ist Michigan, 
3 mo., Inf., and 2d Lieutenant in 8th Michigan Infantry. Resigned April 2, 1862.) 

Gilbert A. Dickey. Enlisted in E, Aug. 11, 1862. Commissary Sergeant, 
Aug. 15. Sergeant Major, Jan. 27, 1863. 2d Lieutenant of G, April 17, to rank from 
March 10. In battles of Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. On 
Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions. Killed at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. 



368 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Andrew J. Bucklin (Recruit). Enlisted in F, Dec. 27, 1863. Transferred to 
E, Nov. 26, 1864. 1st Sergeant, Nov. 29. 2d Lieutenant of G, Jan. 27, 1865, to rank 
from Sept. 27, 1864. In battles of Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, 
Jericho Ford and North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), 
Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. On Reconnoissance 
to Raccoon Ford, and Raid to Meherrin River. Wounded at Petersburg, June 18, 
1864. Returned October 16. Honorably discharged on tender of resignation, May 3, 
1865. 

Charles H. Chope. 5th Sergeant in G, July 23, 1862. ist Sergeant, Oct. i, 1864. 
2d Lieutenant of B, April 12, 1865, to rank from March 21. In battles of 
Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 
Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford and North Anna, 
Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, 
Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and 
Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, Reconnoissances to 
Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern, Vaughn Road and Raid to Merherrin River. Wounded 
in rifle pits before Petersburg, June 21, 1864.* 

Augustus Pomeroy. 3d Sergeant in C, Aug. 8, 1862. ist Sergeant, Nov. i, 
i86'3. On Recruiting Service in Michigan from March 21 to Sept. 5, 1864. 2d 
Lieutenant, April 20, 1865, to rank from March 21. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 
1863, and at Dabney's Mill, Feb. 7, 1865. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh 
Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Siege of Petersburg, Hatcher's 
Run and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, 
Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, Reconnoissances to Raccoon Ford, Vaughn Road 
and Raid to Meherrin River.* 

George Dingwall. Enlisted in A, Aug. 11, 1S62. ist Corporal, Jan. 23, 1863. 
3d Sergeant, April 23. ist Sergeant, Nov. 8. On Recruiting Service in Michigan 
from March 20 to May i, 1864. Wounded and captured at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 
Taken to Andersonville, Ga. Released Dec. 25. 1864. Returned to Regiment April 
13, 1865. — 2d Lieutenant, April 25, 1865, to rank from March 30. In battles of 
Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburgh, Locust Grove and 
Wilderness. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign 
of Maneuvers, Mine Run and Reconnoissance to Raccoon Ford.* 

Chares A. King. Enlisted in D, July 24, 1862. 4ih Sergeant, Aug. 8. 
Prisoner at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Taken to Richmond. Reached Annapolis 
Parole Camp, Aug. 2, and Regiment Oct. 6. Clerk at Iron Brigade Headquarters 
from Nov. 18, 1863, to March, 1864. In Iron Brigade Commissary Department from 
May 15, 1864, to Feb, 11, 1865. 2d Lieutenant, April 25, 1865, to rank from March 31. 
In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. 
On Mud ■ March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, and Campaign of 
Maneuvers.* 

James D. Shearer. Enlisted in F, Aug. 6. 1862. ist Corporal, Sept. 29. 2d 
Sergeant, Nov. i. ist Sergeant, July 17, 1864. 2d Lieutenant, April 25, 1865, to rank 
from March 31. Wounded at Fitzhugh Crossing, April 29, 1863. and at Gettysburg, 
July I, 1863. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho 
Ford and North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, (field of Cold Harbor) 
Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill 
On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, 



ROSTER OF THE OFFICERS. 369 

Mine Run ; Reconnoissances to Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern, Vaughn Road and 
Raid to Meherrin River.* 

Ira W. Fletcher. Enlisted in K, July 31, 1862. ist Corporal, Aug. 15. 5th 
Sergeant, Dec. 13. Prisoner at Gettysburg, July i, 18C3. Taken to Richmond. 
Paroled Sept. 23. Returned to Regiment June 6, 1864. ist Sergeant, Nov. i, 1864. 
Sergeant Major, Jan. 7, 1865. 2d Lieutenant of K, April 21, 1865, to rank from 
March 30. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and 
Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions; 
Reconnoissances to Yellow Tavern, Vaughn Road, and Raid to Meherrin River. 
Acting Adjutant from March to May 17, 1865.* 

E. Ben Fischer. 3d Sergeant in D, Aug. 12, 1862. Clerk to Division Court 
Martial in fall of 1862. Prisoner at Gettysburg, July i, 1863, and paroled. Returned 
to duty Aug. 20. 2d Sergeant, Oct. 7. Prisoner at Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 
Escaped Feb. 18, 1865. Returned to Regiment in April. 2d Lieutenant of E, May 26, 
to rank from April 25, 1865. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove and Wilderness. On Mud March, Port 
Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, and 
Reconnoissance to Raccoon Ford.* 

Augustus Hussey. 8th Corporal in H, Aug. 8, T862. 3d Sergeant, Aug. i, 
1863. Wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. Prisoner at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 
Taken to Andersonville. Released Nov. 30. Returned to Regiment April g, 1865. 
2d Lieutenant of G, May 24, to rank from April 25. In battles of Fredericksburg, 
Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove and Wilderness. On 
Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers 
and Mine Run, and Reconnoissance to Raccoon Ford.* 

Hugh F. Vanderlh'. Enlisted in A, Aug. 11, 1862. ist Corporal, Nov. 13. 
4th Sergeant, Jan. 23, 1863. Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Returned Dec. 7. 
In Ambulance Corps from March 3, 1864, to Feb. 12, 1865. ist Sergeant, April i, 1865. 
2d Lieutenant of H, May 27, to rank from April 20. In battles of Fredericksburg, 
Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg. On Mud March, I'ort Royal and 
Westmoreland Expeditions.* 

Wn.LiAM M. McNoAH. 2d Corporal in G, Aug. 7, 1862. Sergeant, July i, 1864. 
1st Sergeant, April 11, 1865. 2d Lieutenant of I, May i — not mustered. In battles 
of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 
Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford and North Anna, 
Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church (field of Cold Harbor), Petersburg, Siege of 
Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, 
Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, 
Reconnoissances to Raccoon Ford, Yellow Tavern, Vaughn Road and Raid to 
Meherrin River.* 

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 

Edward B. Chope. Enlisted in B, Aug. 8, 1862. ist Corporal, Jan. i, 1863. 
Wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 1863. Returned to Regiment April 10, 1864. 
Wounded in Wilderness, May 5, 1864. In Iron Brigade Commissary Department 
from July 4 to Oct 3, 1S64. Sergeant, Oct. 25. ist Sergeant, Nov. 17. On Recruiting 
Service in Michigan, March 13, 1865. Sergeant Major, (N. C. S.), April 11, 1S65. In 

(26) 



370 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, 
Siege of Petersburg, Hatcher's Run and Dabney's Mill. On Mud March, Port Royal 
and Westmoreland Expeditions, Reconnoissances to Vaughn Road and Raid to 
Meherrin River.* 

Sullivan D. Green. Enlisted in F, Aug. 13, 1862. Acting Sergeant Major 
(N. C. S.), July 3 to Aug. 27, 1863. Clerk in Iron Brigade Quartermaster's 
Department, Aug. 27, 1863. Regimental Quartermaster's Sergeant (N. C. S.), July 17, 
1864. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of 
Maneuvers and Siege of Petersburg. In battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, 
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Correspondent of Detroit Free Press known as S. D. 
G., during his term of service.* 

Francis Raymond, jr. Enlisted in D, July 24, 1862. 2d Sergeant, Aug. 13. 
Commissary Sergeant, (N. C. S.), April i, 1863. Resigned April 22, 1864, for 
promotion to ist Lieutenant and Adjutant in ist Michigan Infantry. In battle of 
Fredericksburg and on Mud March while with the Regiment. In other engagements 
and wounded after he left the 24th Michigan. 

Charles H. McConnell. Enlisted in B, July 24, 1862. 4th Corporal, Aug. 15. 
5th Sergeant and Color Sergeant, Sept. i, 1863. On Recruiting Service in Michigan 
from March 21 to May i, 1864. Commissary Sergeant (N. C. S.), April 22, 1864. In 
battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Locust 
Grove. On Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of 
Maneuvers, Mine Run and Reconnoissance to Racoon Ford.* 

Owen Churchill (Recruit). Enlisted for one year in C, Aug. 16, 1864. 
Hospital Steward (N. C. S.), Nov. 18, 1864.* 

James F. Raymond. Enlisted in H, Aug. 13, 1862. Principal Musician (N. C. 
S.), November, 1S62. Discharged Jan. 30, 1863, for promotion in a New York 
regiment. 

Demain Wheelhouse. Enlisted in E, Aug. 13, 1862. Principal Musician (N. C. 
S.), Feb. 13, 1863. Died of pneumonia at Rappahannock Station, Va., Nov. 30, 1863. 

Arthur S. Congdon. Enlisted in E, Aug. 13, 1862. Principal Musician, (N. 
C. S.), Sept. I, 1863.* 

Edwin Cotton. Enlisted in H, Aug. 13, 1862. Principal Musician, (N. C. S.), 
March i, 1864.* 

David B. Nichols. Drum Major (N. C. S.), Aug. 15, 1862. Discharged by 
order of General Gibbon, Nov. 3, 1862. 

Charles M. Phillips. Fife Major (N. C. S.), Aug. 25, 1862. Discharged by 
order of General Gibbon, Nov. 3, 1862. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



The Dead of 
The Twenty-fourth Michigan. 



" Nor shall their glory be forgot, while fame her record keeps, 

Or honor points the hallowed spot, where valor proudly sleeps. 

Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight, nor time's remorseless doom, 

Can dim one ray of holy light that gilds their glorious tomb." 

KILLED ON THE BATTLEFIELD. 

Capt. William J. Speed of D, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age 31. 

" Malachi J. O'DoNNELL of E, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age 24. 

" George Hutton of E, at Wilderness, May 5, 1864; age 36. 
Adjt. SiREL Chilson (Staff), at Petersburg, June 18, 1864; age 21. 
ist Lt. Walter H. Wallace of K, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age 23. 

" Winfield S. Safford of C, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 22. 

" Newell Grace of H, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 36. 

" Wm. B. Hutchinson of C, at Wilderness, May 6, 1864 ; age 23. 
2d Lt. David Burrill of K, at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862 ; age 25, 

" R. H. Humphreyville of K, at Gettysburg, July i,- 1863; age 30. 

" Lucius L. Shattuck of C, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 26. 

" Gilbert A. Dickey of G, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 20. 

Company A. — Corp. Joseph Carroll, at Gettysburg ; age 22. 
Corp. William Ziegler ( Color Guard ) at Gettysburg ; age 24. 
Garrett Chase, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 28. 
John Dingwall, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 21. 
Augustus Jencks, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 41. 
Michael Tiernay, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 24. 

William Dusick, at Bethesda Church, Va., June 3, 1864 ; age 22. Wounded also, at 
Gettysburg. 

Company B. — Sergt. Asa W. Brindle, at Fitzhugh Crossing, April 30, 1863 ; age 23. 

Killed by solid shot passing from his head to his thigh. 
1st Sergt. Andrew J. Price, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age 26. 
Sergt. George Cline, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 30. 
Corp. William Carroll, at Gettysburg, July i. 1863 ; age 25. 
Corp. John H. Pardington, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 24. 
Private Mathew Duncan, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 31. 
Sergt. Arthur G. Lynch, at Spottsylvania, May 17, 1864 ; age 19 (in Battery). 
Corp. Anton Krapohl, at Wilderness, May 5, 1864 ; age 29. Wounded at Gettysburg. 

(371) 



3/2 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Samuel Davis, on Vidette Post, Va., Dec. 6, 1864 ; age 20. 

David Reed, at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862 ; age 20. 

Elisha Wheeler, at North Anna, May 23, 1864 ; age 32. Wounded at Gettysburg. 

William Lawrence (R),* at Laurel Hill, May 12, 1864 ; age 18. 

Company C. — Color Sergt. Abel G. Peck, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 43. First 

Color Bearer in the regiment. 
Sergt. Charles Pinkerton, at Wilderness, May 5, 1864; age 24. Killed on skirmish line 

by accidental shot of one of his regiment. 
Corp. Otis Southworth, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 29. 
George L. Cogswell, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 25. 
Oliver C. Kelley, at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863; age 21. 
John E. Ryder, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age 20. 
Forest C. Brown, at Fitzhugh Crossing, April 29, 1863 ; age 26. 
James McKee, at Wilderness, May 5, 1864 ; age 26. Wounded at Fitzhugh. 

Company D. — Corporal William Funke, at Bethesda Church, M*ay 30, 1864 ; age 20. In 

Battery. Leg amputated. Died in ambulance. 
Sergt. Joseph Eberly, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 25. 
Corp. David E. Rounds, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age 22. 
Corp. James Sterling, at Gettysburg, July i, 1S63 ; age 24. 
John Dwyer. at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 18. 
John Groth, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 19. 
William H. Houston, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; aged 20. 
Corp. Michael O'Brien at Laurel Hill, May 12, 1864 ; age 25. 
Corp. Albert A. Wallace, at Laurel Hill, May 12, 1864 ; age 21. 
Reuben Cory, at Laurel Hill, May 10, 1864 ; age 27. 
Lorenz Raiser, at Laurel Hill, May 12, 1864 ; age 20. 
Horace Rofe, at Laurel Hill, May 10, 1864 ; age 23. 
Richard Downing, at Petersburg, June 18, 1864 ; age 37. Body not found until July 22. 

Wounded also, at Fitzhugh Crossing. 
Theodore Palmer, at Wilderness, May 5, 1864 ; age 27. 

Co?npany E. — Sergt. William Floyd, at Laurel Hill, Va., May 12, 1864; age 28. 

Wounded at Gettysburg. 
Corp. Charles Bellore, at Gettysburg, while carrying the flag ; age 32. 
William Kelley, at Gettysburg, while carrying the flag ; age 23. 
James Doyle, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 23. 
Thomas S. Orton, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 27. 
Patrick J. Kinney, at Laurel Hill, May 12, 1864 ; age 32. Wounded and prisoner at 

Gettysburg. 
Company F. — Frederick Chavey, at Laurel Hill, May 13, 1864 ; age 27. Struck by solid 

shot, his blood bespattering Major Edwards, 
ist Sergt. Charles Bucklin, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 31. 
Corp. Iltid W. Evans, at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863; age ig. 
William S. Bronson, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 43. 
James Hubbard, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 33. 

Sergt. Erastus W. Hine, at Wilderness ; age 27, Wounded at Gettysburg. 
John Stoffold, at Wilderness ; age 20. Wounded at Gettysburg. 
George F. Neef, at Laurel Hill ; age 36. Wounded at Gettysburg. 

* Recruit. 



THE DEAD OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 373 

Sergt. Oren S. Stoddard, at Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; age 28. 
Joseph Coryell, at Fitzhugh Crossing, April 29, 1863, age 32. 
Corp. Timothy O. Webster, at Petersburg, June 18, 1864 ; age 23. 
John B. Beyette (R-), at Petersburg, June 18, 1864 ; age 27. 
John B. Cicotte, at Petersburg, June 18, 1864; age 35. 

Covipamy G. — Corp. John W. Welsh, at Gettysburg; age 22. Killed while assisting a 

comrade off the field. Both killed. 
Sergt. George O. Colburn, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age 30. 
Sergt. William H. Luce, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 24. 
Corp. Jerome P. Fayles, at Gettysburg, July r, 1863 ; age 20. 
Ernest F. Argelbeim, at Gettysburg, July r, 1863 ; age 19. 
Elias B. Browning, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 19. 
George A. Codwise, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 26. 
Charles Coombs, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 22. 
Patrick Hefferman, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 34. 
John Martin, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 25. 
Sergt. George H. Pettinger, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 28. 
John Shoane, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 23. 
Albert Wassow, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age ig. 
Sergt. William Maiers, at Petersburg, June 18, 1864 ; age 28. 
Corp. Orville C. Simonson, at Petersburg, June 18, 1864; age 30. 
Sergt. John Tait, at Fitzhugh Crossing, April 20, 1863 ; age 37. 
Corp. Edward H. Hamer, at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; age 33. 
Edwin Delong, at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864 ; age 20. 
Andrew J. Marden, at Laurel Hill, Va., May 10, 1864; age 31. 
Charles A. Wilson, at Laurel Hill, Va., May 10, 1S64 ; age 18. 
William Scerle, at Bethesda Church, June 3, 1864 ; age 20. 
John Henderson (R.), Dabney's Mill, February 7, 1865 ; age 24. 

Company H. — Edward B. Harrison, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 21. Had been 
sentenced "capitally" for straggling. Pardoned July 16 by the President, two 
weeks after he was killed in battle. Killed while wounded and being helped 
from the field. His assistant also killed. 

Sergt. John Powell, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 27. 

Robert R. Herman, M.D., at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 46. 

Gilbert Dubuc, at Wilderness, May 5. 1864 ; age 26. 

George Teufil, at Wilderness, May 5, 1864; age 21. 

Jacob Eisele, at Bethesda Church, June 4, 1864; age 42. 

Company I. — ist Sergt. George H. Canfield, at Dabney's Mill, Va., February 7, 1865 ; 

age 21. Just returned from furlough. Wounded at Gettysburg. 
Corp. George N. Bentley, at Gettysburg, July i. 1863 ; age 25. 
Corp. James B. Myers, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 26. 
James Mooney, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 19. 
Adolphus Shephard, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; age 26. 
Henry Viele, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 41. 

Louis Hattie, at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1S62 ; age iS. First man killed. 
William Irving, in battery, at Laurel Hill. May 12, 1804 ; age 20. 
Isaac J. Kibbee, at Dabney's Mill, February 7, 1865 ; age 23. 
George Wallace (R.), at Dabney's Mill, February 7, 1865 ; age 18. 



374 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Company K. — Sergt. Wallace W. Wight, at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 ; age 

18. A son of Capt. W. W. Wight. 
Corp. Jerome T. Lefevre, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 25. 
Peter Case, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age iq. 
David F. Delaney, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 19. 
Conrad Gundlack, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 46. 
Lewis Harland, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 25. 
Henry W. Jameson, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 21. 
Elijah P. Osborne, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 21. 
Andrew Smith, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 29. 
August Ernest, with flag, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 \ ^gc 19- 
Corp. James T. Rupert, at Laurel Hill, May 12, 1864; age 32. Leg amputated and 

died on the field. 
Isaac L. Vandecar, in battery, at Laurel Hill, May 8, 1864 ; age 20. 
James R. Ewing, at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 ; age 19. 
John Litogot, at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 ; age 27. 
Francis Pepin, at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 ; age 19. 

DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN BATTLE. 

Company A. — ist Sergt. William J. Nagle, at Baltimore, Md., November 8, 1863; age 
24. Wounded at Gettysburg, July 1st. 

Philip Blissing, with enemy at Locust Grove, Va., May 19, 1864; age 38. Wounded 
at Laurel Hill, May 12th. 

Stephen [ackson (R), at City Point, Va., July 6, 1864; age 20. Wounded at Bethesda 
Church, June 3d. 

James Malley (R), at home in Ash, Mich., June 6, 1864 ; age 30. Wounded at Wilder- 
ness, May 5th. 

Company B. — Frank Tscham (R.) at Washington, D. C, July 16, 1864 ; aged 32. 

Wounded at Bethesda Church, Va., June 3d. 
Sergt. John M. Reed, at Washington, D. C. May 17, 1864; age 31. Mortally wounded 

at Laurel Hill, May 12th. Leg amputated. Wounded also at Gettysburg. 
Corp. Edward Dwyer, at Gettysburg, October i, 1863 ; age 21. Wounded July ist. 
Henry C. McDonald, at Gettysburg, July 13, 1863 ; age 30. Wounded July ist. 
John B. Rider, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 24, Arm amputated. 
William Williams, at Gettysburg, July i, 1863 ; age 31. Leg amputated. 

Company C. — Corp. John A. Bartlett, at Wilderness, May 9, 1864, with the enemy ; age 
27. Wounded May 5th. Prisoner at Gettysburg. Taken South. 

Corp. George P. Hubbell, at Laurel Hill, May 17, 1864 ; age 22. Wounded May 12th. 

Corp. Thomas B. Ballou, at Pittsburg, Pa., November 28, 1863, while coming home ; 
age 23. Wounded on color guard at Gettysburg, July ist. 

Edward M. Corey, at Gettysburg, July 7, 1863 ; age 38. Wounded July ist. 

Lucius W. Chubb, at Philadelphia, August 17, 1863 ; age 20. Transferred from Com- 
pany E, and wounded July ist, at Gettysburg. 

Ezra E. Derby, at City Point, Va., June 23, 1864; age 24. Wounded at Petersburg, 
June 18. 

William McLaughlin, at Wilderness, May 9, 1864, with the enemy ; age 37. Wounded 
May 5th. 

George M. Velie (R.), at Washington, D. C, July 18, 1S64 ; age 27. Wounded at 
Bethesda Church, Va., June 3d. 



THE DEAD OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHKiAN. 375 

Company D. — Eliphalet Carleton, at Philadelphia, July 19, 1S63 ; age 20. Wounded at 

Gettysburg, July ist. 
Mason Palmer, at Gettysburg, July 23, 1863 ; age 23. Wounded July ist. Arm 

amputated. Death hastened by his jumping out of a window in delirium. 
Charles Ruff, at Gettysburg, July 22, 1863 ; age 20. Wounded July ist. 

Company E. — Henry Aldridge (R.), at City Point, Va., February 22, 1S65 ; age 29. 

Wounded at Dabney's Mill, February 7, 1865. 
Corp. John Walls, at Gettysburg, July 5, 1863 ; age 43. Wounded July ist. 
Charles Paton, at Gettysburg, July 5, 1863 ; age 21. Wounded July ist. 

Company F. — Elisha C. Reed, at Alexandria, Va., September 7, 1864 ; age 42. Wounded 
at Petersburg, June 18th. 

John McNish, at Gettysburg, July 23, 1863 ; age 31. Wounded July ist. 

Josiah P. Turner, at Baltimore, Md., September 7, 1863 ; age 29. Wounded at Gettys- 
burg, July 1st. 

Company G. — Corp. John T. Paris, at Washington, May 19, 1864 ; age 23. Wounded 

May loth, on color guard. Leg amputated. 
Corp. Charles Suggett, at Gettysburg, August 2, 1863; age 21. Wounded on color 

guard, July ist. 
Henry Crothine, at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., July 23, 1863 ; age 24. Wounded July ist, at 

Gettysburg. 
William H. Jamieson, at Fitzhugh hospital. May 25, 1S63 ; age 24. Wounded at Fitz- 

hugh Crossing, April 29th. Foot amputated. Doing well, but lost courage and 

gave up to "home sickness." 

Company H. — Corp. Charles E. Crarey, at Philadelphia, August 3, 1863 ; age 24. 

Wounded at Gettysburg, July ist. 
Myron Demary, at Washington, D. C, Dec 9, 1863 ; age 19. Wounded at Gettysburg, 

July I. 
Henry McNames, (R.), at Wilderness, May 5, 1864 ; age 20. Mortally wounded and 

body supposed to have been burned up in the woods. 
Nathaniel J. Moon, at Alexandria, Va., Aug. 4, 1864; age 20. Wounded near 

Petersburg, June 18. 
Edwin J. Ranger, at Baltimore, Md., Feb. 22, 1865 ; age 26. Wounded at Dabney's 

Mill, Feb. 7. Last man killed in the regiment. 

Company I — Seymour L. Burns, at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. Wounded and body 

supposed to have been burned up in the woods. 
Henry Coonrad, at Washington, D. C, June 13, 1864; age 42. Wounded at Laurel 

Hill, Va., May 12. Leg amputated. 
John Dubois, at Gettysburg, Sept. 20, 1863 ; age 28. Wounded July i. 
Nelson Harris, at Gettysburg, July 5, 1863 ; age 23. Wounded July i. 
Hiram A. Williams, at Gettysburg, July 5, 1863 ; age 32. Wounded July i. 
August Lahser, at Washington, D. C, May 23, 1864 ; age 18. Wounded at Laurel 

Hill, Va., May 12. 
John Matrie, at Washington, D. C, May 23, 1864; age 25. Wounded at Laurel Hill, 

Va., May 10. 
Theodore B. Thomas, at Washington, D. C, July 11, 1864; age 50. Wounded at 

Petersburg, Va., June 18. 

Company K — Corp. Evan B. McClure, at Washington, D. C, May 30, 1S64 ; age 25. 
Wounded at North Anna, Va., May 23. 



376 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Corp. Rufus J. Whipple, at City Point, Va., Aug. 26, 1864; age 41. Wounded in 

action on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19. 
John H. Fryer, at Alexandria, Va., June 21, 1864; age 20. Wounded at Laurel Hill, 

Va., May 8. 
Francis E. Miller, at Washington, D. C, May 22, 1864 ; age 20. Wounded in leg and 

shoulder in Wilderness, May 5. Doing well until night of May 9, when, in a 

stampede from a supposed guerrilla attack, someone trod on his wounds, 

rendering them mortal. Wounded also at Gettysburg. 



DIED IN CONFEDERATE PRISONS, 

ist Lt. Ara W. Sprague, at Charleston, S. C, Oct. 14, 1864 ; age 41. 

Company ^—Jonathan D. Chase, at Florence, S. C, in December, 1864; aged 22. 

Captured at Wilderness, May 5. 
Anthony Long, at Florence, S. C. , in December, 1864; aged 25. Captured on 

"Brooks' Expedition," June 22. 
Charles Willaird, at Salisbury, N. C, Nov. 22, 1S64 ; aged 23. Captured Aug. 19, 

1864, in action on Weldon Railroad. Wounded at Fredericksburg. 
Company B — Lewis A. Baldwin, at Andersonville, Georgia, Oct. 22, 1864 ; age 33. 

Captured at Wilderness, May 5. 
Peter Viele, (R.), at Libby Prison, Richmond, June 21, 1864 ; age 28. Captured at 

Wilderness, May 5, three days after joining the regiment. 
Company C— Corp. John A. Sherwood, at Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 9, 1865 ; age 33. 

Captured at Gettysburg ; also on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, 1864. 
Charles R. Dobbins, at Florence, S. C, in 1864; age 20. Captured at Wilderness, 

May 5. 
John Passage, jr., near Salisbury, N. C, in February, 1865; age 29.' Wounded at 

Laurel Hill. Captured on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, 1864. Died on cars soon 

after leaving the prison. 
Alfred C. Willis, at Andersonville, Ga., in 1864; age 20. Wounded at Gettysburg. 

Prisoner at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 
Company D. — Corp. John M. Andres, at Andersonville, Ga., in 1864 ; age 24. Prisoner 

at Gettysburg ; also on the color guard, at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 
George H. Lang, at Belle Isle, Dec. 16, 1863 ; age 24. Prisoner at Gettysburg. 
Andrew Rich, near Fitzhugh, Va., June 15, 1863 ; age 20. Hospital captured by the 

enemy after our army left for Gettysburg, June 12. 
Company E. — Corp. Frederick Woods, at Andersonville, Oct. 21, 1864 ; age 20. 

Prisoner at North Anna, May 23. 
Sergt. William Bruskie, at Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 10, 1865 ; aged 21. Prisoner at 

Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, 1864. 
Robert Gaunt, at Andersonville, in 1864 ; age 26. Wounded and prisoner at 

Gettysburg. Taken south. Prisoner at North Anna, May 23, 1864. 
Frederick Stotte, at Libby Prison, Jan. 29, 1864 ; age 36. Prisoner at Gettysburg, 

July I. 
Company /'.—Corp. Royal L. Potter, at Libby Prison, Jan. 8, 1863 ; age 42. Prisoner 

at Fredericksburg, Dec. 16, 1862. 
Daniel Bourassas, at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. — , 1864; age 31.- Prisoner on Weldon 

Railroad, Aug. 19, 1864. 



THE DEAD OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 377 

Antoine La Blanc, at Libby Prison, Jan. 6, 1864 ; age 35. Prisoner at Gettysburg, July 
I, 1863. 

Company G. — George Martin, at Andersonville, Ga., in November, 1864; age 23. 

Captured on "Brooks' Expedition," June 22. 
Clement Saunier (R.), at Andersonville, Ga., June 29, 1864; age 27. Captured at 

Wilderness, May 5. 

Company H. — Sergt. Richard A. Riley, at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 19, 1864; age 25. 

Wounded at Gettysburg. Captured at North Anna, May 23, 1864. 
Corp. Marshall Bills, at Andersonville, Ga., in 1864; age 21. On Color Guard. 

Captured at North Anna, May 23. 
Philip T. Dunroe, at Andersonville, Ga., Nov. 22, 1864 ; age 30. Prisoner at 

Gettysburg. Taken south. Returned March 4, 1864. Prisoner at Wilderness, 

May 5, 1864. 
Marquis L. Lapaugh, at Florence, S. C, in 1864; aged 26. Prisoner at Gettysburg. 

Taken south. Returned Sept. 11, 1863. Prisoner at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 
George M. Riley, died on "Steamer Geo. Leary," off Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 23, 

1864 ; age 27. Had been in Andersonville. Captured at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 
Clark W. Butler ( R.), at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 28, 1864 ; age ig. Captured in action 

on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, 1864. 
Thomas Burnett ( R.). at Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 16, 1865 ; age 38. Captured in action 

on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, 1864. 

Company I — Sergt. Eugene F. Nardin, at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 31, 1864; aged 26. 

Wounded and prisoner at Wilderness, May 5. Escaped and captured in action 

on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19. 
Hiram Bentley, at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 7, 1864 ; age 20. Captured at Wilderness, 

May 5. 
William A. Flynn, at Libby Prison, Richmond, Oct. 23. 1863 ; age 36. Captured at 

Gettysburg, July i. 
Corp. Henry L. Houk, at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 28, 1864 ; age 23. Captured in 

Wilderness, May 5. 
James Johnson, (R.), at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 23, 1864; age 41. Captured in 

Wilderness, Va., May 5. 
Joseph Peyette, (R.), at Andersonville, Ga., in 1864 ; age 18. Captured in Wilderness, 

May 5. 

Company K — Albert Ganong, at Libby Prison, Va., Jan. 11, 1863 ; age 18. Captured 

at Fredericksburg. Dec. 16, 1862. 
Charles S. Hosmer, at Libby Prison, Richmond, Nov. 19, 1S63 ; age 19. Captured at 

Gettysburg, July i. 
John Chapman, (R.), at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 9, 1S64 ; age 19. Captured in action on 

Weldon Railroad, Aug. ig. 
Max Pischa, (R.), at Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., in 1864 ; age 43. Captured at 

Wilderness, May 5. 

DIED COMING HOME FROM CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 

Company B — Oscar A. Eckliff, at Annapolis Parole Camp, Md., Dec. 13, 1863 ; age 2g. 
Captured at Gettysburg, July i. 

Company C — William A. Herrendeen, at Washington, Feb. 6, 1865 ; age 23. Prisoner 
at Gettysburg. Wounded at Wilderness. Captured on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 
19, 1864. 
(27) 



378 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Andrew B. Lanning, drowned on "Steamer Gen. Lyon," destroyed by fire on the 
ocean, March 6, 1865, while carrying exchanged prisoners to New York. Captured 
in Wilderness, May 5, 1864, and taken to Andersonville, Ga., where he kept the 
burial records of the Union dead. His death with the loss of his diary was 
irreparable. His age was 23. 

Company E — Sergt. John Roache died coming from Salisbury prison, N. C, in 
February, 1865 ; age 21. Captured on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, 1864. 

Corp. Thomas G. Norton, in Detroit, of prison mistreatment, April 18, 1865, just after 
his arrival home ; age 23. Prisoner at Gettysburg. Exchanged and again 
captured on Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, 1864, and taken to Salisbury, N. C. 

Company I — Sergt. Emile Mettetal, drowned on " Steamer Gen. Lyon," burned at sea, 

March 6, 1865 ; age 22. Captured in Wilderness, May 5, 1864, and taken to 

Andersonville, Ga. 
Corp. Frederic Bosardis died at Baltimore, Md., March 18, 1865 ; age 21. Prisoner at 

Gettysburg. Exchanged and captured again on the "Brooks Expedition," June 

22, 1864, and taken to Andersonville, Ga. 
Peter Jackson died at Annapolis, Md., Nov. 28, 1S63 ; age 21. Captured at Gettysburg 

and taken to Andersonville, Ga. 

Company K — John J. Post died at Annapolis, Md., Aug. 31, 1863 ; age 26. Captured 
at Gettysburg and taken south. 



DIED OF DISEASE DURING THEIR SERVICE. 

Capt. John C. Merritt, H, at Georgetown, D. C, July 9, 1S63 ; age 24. 
1st Lt. George H. Pinkney, K, at Alexandria, Va., Aug. 15, 1864; age 31. 
Demain Wheelhouse, (N. C. S.) at Rap'k. Sta., Nov. 30, 1863 ; age 24. 

Company A. — Corp. John Sterling, at Culpepper, Va., March 3, 1864 ; age 23. 

Christopher Beahm, at Brooks' Station, Va., Dec. 19, 1862 ; age 18. 

Charles Quandt, drowned in the Rappahannock, Aug. g, 1863 ; age 29. Detailed to 

Battery B, Feb. 9, 1863. 
Lewis D. Moores (R.), at Culpepper, Va., April 14, 1864 ; age 18 
Peter G. Zoll (R ), at Camp Butler, 111., March 30, 1865 ; age 45. 

Company B. — Clark Davis, at City Point, Va., June 24, 1864, of pneumonia ; age 29. 

Wounded at Fredericksburg. 
Henry Wallace, at Philadelphia, Oct. 14, 1864 ; age 37. Wounded at Gettysburg. 

Company C. — Sergt. Clark Eddy, near Petersburg, Va., Jan. 18, 1865, of typhoid fever ; 

age 22. Wounded at Gettysburg and Wilderness. 
Charles Burr, at Washington, D. C, June 19, 1864 ; age 24. 
Roswell B. Curtiss, at Harewood Hospital, Washington, D. C, Nov. 8, 1862, of 

diphtheria induced by rain march of Oct. 26 ; age 21. 
John H. James, at Washington, D. C, Jan. 11, 1863 ; age 27. 
Bristol A. Lee, at Frederick City, Md., Aug. 13, 1S63 ; age 26. Wounded at 

Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 
Daniel B. Stevens, at Washington, D, C, Dec. i, 1862 ; age 19. 
George W. Soper, at York, Pa., Nov. 27, 1862 ; age 27. 
Andrew E. Mitchell (K.), at Camp Butler, 111., April 22, 1865 ; age 29. 
Gideon B. Stiles (R.), at Niles, Mich., Nov. 5, 1864; age 22. 



THE DEAD OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 379 

Company D. — Ludovico Bowles, at Camp Butler, 111., April i, 1865, of typhoid fever; 

age 26. Wounded at Fitzhugh Crossing, the ball passing between his windpipe 

and jugular vein. Wounded again at Laurel Hill, Va. 
Francis Demay, at Camp Butler, 111., April 17, 1865 ; age 21. 
Anthony Eberts, at Camp Butler, 111., March 19, 1865 ; age 23. In Battery B two years. 

Wounded at Gettysburg. 
John Hamley (Wagoner), at Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1863, while coming home on 

furlough ; age 37. In Battery B. 
Henry H. Mills, at Baltimore, Md., Dec. 12, 1863, while coming home on furlough ; 

age 22. 
John Newman, at Washington, D. C, April 2, 1864; age 20. 
Henry Palmer, at Belle Plain, Va., March 10, 1863 ; age 25. 
George B. Parsons, in ambulance, D. C, Sept. 8, 1862, from fright induced by sudden 

call to arms ; age 44. 
Henry Carpenter ( R.), at Pittsburg, Sept. i, 1864 ; while en route to join the regiment ; 

age 21. 
James L. Collard ( R.) at Culpepper, Va., April 2. 1864; age 20. 
Frederick Maths, (R.) at Culpepper, Va., March i8, 1864; age 22. 

Company ^.—Michael Cavanaugh, in Detroit, Aug. 28, 1862; age 35. Died before the 

regiment left home. First death. 
Martin Devine, at Alexandria, Va., July 28, 1863, of pneumonia ; age 42. Wounded 

at Gettysburg, July i. 
George Curtis (R.), at Camp Butler, III, April 7, 1865 ; age 38. 

Company F. — Jasper Burt, at Belleville, Mich., Oct. 15, 1863; age 28. Injured by kick 

of a mule in the face, June 12. Had no teeth when he enlisted and procured a set 

to pass surgeon's inspection. 
James Burns, at Washington, D. C, March 24, 1864 ; age 32. 
Joseph Gohir, at Belle Plain, Va., Dec. 28, 1862 ; age ig. 
Peter P. Rivard, found dead in his tent at Culpepper, Va., March 29, 1864 ; age 24. 

Wounded twice at Gettysburg. Returned March 22, 1864. 
James Robertson, in hands of enemy near Fitzhugh's, Va., July 12, 1863 ; age 38. 

Hospital fell into enemy's hands after start of our army for Gettysburg, June 12. 
Marcus G. Wheeler, at Belle Plain, Va., Dec. 29, 1862 ; age 18. 
Daniel D. Webster (musician), at Camp Butler, 111., March 9, 1865 ; age 21. Prisoner 

at Fredericksburg. 
Albert A. Doty (R.), at Camp Butler, 111., March 30, 1865 ; age 40. 

Company G. — Arden H. Olmstead, on boat going from Belle Plain to Washington, a 

few hours after his discharge, Jan. 28, 1863 ; age 24. 
Charles O. Baldwin, at Brooks' Station, Va , Dec. 6, 1862 ; age 24. 
Henry Collins, at Culpepper, Va., March 18, 1864 ; age 21. 
John Foster, at Camp Butler, 111., March 11, 1865 ; age 21. 
Edwin Johnson, at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., Sept. 29, 1864; age 25. 
Simon G. Taylor (R.), at Camp Butler, 111., March 28, 1865 ; age 33. 
Company H. — Michael Cunningham, killed by fall of a tree in Canada while on 

furlough, March 9, 1864 ; age 21. Wounded at Gettysburg. 
Sergt. Herbert Adams, at Belle Plain, Va., Jan. 5, 1863 ; age 39. 
John Benedict, at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 29, 1864; age 23. 
William Morgan, at Belle Plain, Va., Feb. 24, 1863 ; age 21. 
Daniel Steele, at Brooks' Station, Va., Dec. 7, 1862 ; age 19. 



380 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Edward Wilson, at Urooks' Station, Va., Dec. 8, 1862 ; age 20. Born in Detroit. 
Robert D. Simpson, at Belle Plain, Va., March 4, 1863; age 21. Wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg. Brought home for burial. 

Company I. — William Charlesvvorth, in Redford, Mich., Dec. 5, 1864; age 23. Wounded 

at Gettysburg. 
John B. Harris, at Brocks' Station, Va., Nov. 27, 1862 ; age 24. 
Cross Harris, at Washington, D. C, Nov. 22, 1S62 ; age 20. 
Charles Devantoy, at Washington, D. C, Sept. 20, 1863 ; age 36. 
Isaac Innes, at Washington, D. C, Dec. 11, 1862 ; age 18. 
John H. Townsend, at Belle Plain, Va., Feb. 23, 1863 ; age 36. 
Wesley A. Tinkham, at Washington, D. C, Dec. 16, 1863; age 20. Wounded at 

Gettysburg, July i, 1863. 

Company K. — Eli A. Blanchard (musician), in Livonia, Mich., June 21, 1865 ; age 21. 

On sick furlough. 
Orville Barnes, at Culpepper, Va., March 27, 1864; age 39. 
Charles D. Hoagland, at Belle Plain, Va , Jan. 13, 1863 ; age 21. 
Charles W. Lossee, at Brooks' Station, Va., Dec. 3, 1862 ; age 18. 
Simon Miller, at Brooks' Station, Va., Dec. 3, 1862 ; age 50. 
James Nowlin, at Brooks' Station, Va., Dec. 9, 1862 ; age 70. 
Hiram Ruff (wagoner), in Washington, Jan. 14, 1863; age 31. 
Franklin Colbretzer (R.), Camp Butler, 111., April 25, 1865 ; age 28. 
Edward Merriman, (R.), Camp Butler, 111., March 15, 1865 ; age 23. 
Silas P. Tomlinson, (R), at Alexandria, Va., Dec. 5, 1864 ; age 22. 



SPRINGFIELD RECRUITS WHO DIED AT CAMP BUTLER, ILL. 

Thomas Checken, C, drowned in Sangamon River, June 4, 1865. 
Thomas Shanahan, C, drowned in Sangamon River, June 4, 1S65. 
George H. Barnum,, K, died at East Saginaw, April i, 1865. 
Marshal B. Dunlap, unassigned, died May 3, 1865. 
Lewis Mapes, unassigned, died March 24, 1865. 
William H. Wright, unassigned, died May i, 1865. 

William F. Henry, A, March 28. Wm. H. Marsh, F. April 8. 

William. White, A, April 8. James W. Parker, H, March 21. 

Benj. F. McNitt, C, April 27. Wm. F. Rogers, H, April 12. 

Sergt. Joseph Booth, E, April 13. Alfred Turner, H, April 22. 

O. M. Armstrong, E, May 15. William Gault, I, April 15. 

Oren Carrack, E, May 21. John Louw, I, April 17. 

Edward Crow, E, May 14. John Hewins, K, April 17. 

R. E. Hammond, E, March 21. Robert Miller, K, April 13. 

W. C. Wilmarth, E, April 22, Henry J. Philleo, K, April 7. 

Charles W. Goodrich, F, April 29. Henry H. Van Est, K, March 26. 



THE DEAD OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 38 1 



SUMMARY. 

Killed on the battlefield, ....... 126 

Died of wounds, received in battle, ..... 45 

Wounded and burned in Wilderness, ..... 2 

Died in Confederate prisons, ...... 39 

Died after exchange, while coming home, . . . . g 

Died of disease while in service, ..... 71 

Springfield Recruits, died of disease, ..... 24 

Springfield Recruits, drowned, ...... 2 

Total dead of Twenty-fourth Michigan, .... 318 

The above list does not include those who have died since they 
left the army. Several died during the war and soon after leaving the 
service, including Major Nail and others. And thus what a trail of 
blood the old regiment left behind it, from young Hattie, not yet 
arrived at manhood, the first one to fall in battle and give up his 
precious young life to his country, to the last, Ranger, the bearded 
and bronzed veteran of many battles. And so, on battlefield, by 
lonely wayside, in Confederate prison burial lots in the far South, and 
in national cemeteries do our departed dead rest from all strife. 

" No more the bugle calls the weary ones ; rest noble spirits in thy graves alone ; 
We'll find you and know you among the good and true, 
Where robes of white are given for our faded coats of blue." 



CHAPTER XX. 



Records of the Survivors. 



RECORDS of the survivors of the Regiment are necessary for 
a completement of its history. Gladly would we enlarge the 
account of the services and deeds of each man did space 
allow. The events of each one's conduct would fill a 
volume. In the following pages of this chapter will be found in brief 
the record of each survivor. It is a continuous story of heroic deeds, 
except the few who left their comrades, without permission, to make 
up the glorious story of its history without them. It was the fate 
of some to find themselves, early in their service, unfit for soldier life 
from disease or disability which was undeveloped when they enlisted. 
Others were wounded early, and were discharged or placed in the 
Veteran Reserve Corps to serve out their enlistment term. The fate 
of a few is unknown. They may be sleeping for the flag in the South 
or properly discharged from some of the numerous hospitals that the 
necessities of the war created. A perusal of this chapter will prove 
sadly interesting, and we commend it to the reader as furnishing food 
for contemplation, when it is remembered that this is but one of the 
hundreds of regiments that went through the terrible ordeal of 
the war. 

TO VETERAN RESERVE CORPS FOR WOUNDS. 

Corp. Lewis E. Johnson, A, Sept. 3, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Francis Brobacker, A, March i, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Oscar N. Castle, A, February 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Patrick Gorman, A, Jan. 16, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Walter S. Niles, A, Sept. 12, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Abraham Schneiter, A, May i, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Augustus R. Sink, A, April 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Victor Sutter, Jr., A, April 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
David Wagg, A, Dec. i, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
George Zulch, A, Feb. 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Herman Blankertz, A, Feb. 15, 1864 ; wounded at Fitzhugh. 
Thomas A. Wadsworth, A, Feb. 15, 1864 ; wounded at Fitzhugh. 
Corp. N. A. Halstead, B, Jan. 21, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
John Black, B, May 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

(382) 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 383 

Willett Brown, B, April 10, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Richard Connors, B, March 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

William H. Fowler, B, March 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

John H. McCutcheon, B, Jan. 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Thomas Nixon, B, May i, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Jeston R. Warner, B, Nov. i, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Sergt. Samuel Joy, C, Feb. 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Benjamin F. Brigham, C, May 15, 1S64 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Alfred Courtrite, C, Feb. 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Ammi R. Collins, C, March 10, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Robert Everson, C, March 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

William H. Quance, C, March 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Joseph A. Safford, C, March 15, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Hiram W. Hughes, C, March 12, 1864 ; wounded at Fitzhugh. 

Samuel W. Phillips, C, March 15, 1864 ; wounded at Fitzhugh and Gettysburg. 

Corp. Daniel McPherson, C, Jan. 15, 1864 ; wounded at Fredericksburg and Gettysb'g. 

James H. Johnson, D, June 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Samuel R. Kingsley, jr., D, Dec. i, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

John Renton, D, April 30, 1S64 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Jesse R. Welch, D, April 20, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Oliver M. Moon, D, March 31, 1S64 ; prisoner at Fredericksburg ; wounded at 

Gettysburg. 
Sergt. John Blackwell, E, April 16, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Corp. John W. Fletcher, E, Jan. 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Stephen Delorme, E, May 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
James Laird, E, Feb. 14, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. Discharged from V. R. C. 

in October, 1864, and while coming home over the B. & O. R. R., was captured 

by the enemy's guerrillas, with several hundred others, and two paymasters. 

Confined in Libby Prison six months. The raiders took $200 in money from him. 
Edward Tracy, E, March 15, 1864; prisoner at Fredericksburg; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Corp. William Kalsow, F, June 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Corp. Abel P. Turner, F, July i, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Henry Chapman. F, Sept. 30, 1863; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Charles Gochy, F, March 31, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
John R. Moores, F. Sept. 30, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Solomon R. Niles, F, April i, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Edwin Plass, F, May, 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Mordaunt Williams, F, March 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Thomas Burns, F, Sept. i, 1863 ; wounded at Fitzhugh. 
Henry Robinson, G, in 1864; wounded at Fitzhugh. 
William Harvey, G, Feb. 19, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Charles W. Langs. G, June 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Enoch F. Langs, G, in 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Jeremiah Sullivan, G Jan. 21, 1865; wounded at Gettysburg, and on picket near 

Petersburg. 
Corp. Charles M. Knapp, H, Nov. i, 1863; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Van Renselaer W. Lemm, H, April 28, 1864 ; wounded at (Gettysburg. 
Frederick Uebelhoer, H, Jan. 15, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Andrew Waubecq, H, April 7, 1864; wounded at Fitzhugh. From E. 
Abner D. Austin, I, May, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 



384 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Ralph Archibald, I, Feb. 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

George L. Carey, I, March 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Ephraim D. Cooper, I, July 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

James Magooghan, I, March 25, iSfm wounded at Gettysburg. 

1st Sergt. Geo. W. Fox, K, Dec. 19, 1863; wounded at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. 

Sergt. Fernando D. Forbes, K, Dec. 19, 1863 ; wounded at Fredericksburg. 

Corp. Francis T. Dushane, K, April 6, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Jerome B. Stockham, K, April i, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

John R. Bruce, K, April 28, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Patrick Gaffney, K, April 10, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

James Leslie, K, April i, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Daniel W. Lossee, K, Jan. 9, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Charles E. Maynard, K, Jan. 15, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Eugene R. Mills, K, July i, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Charles A. Sutliff, K, Jan. 25, 1865 ; wounded at Wilderness. 



TO VETERAN RESERVE CORPS FOR DISABILITY 



Compa7iy A. 

Harvey J. Brown, Feb. 15, 1864. 
Dexter B. Crosby, May i, 1864. 
George A. Moores, March 16, 1864. 
John Schlag, Sept. 30, 1863. 
John Schubert, Sept. 30, 1863. 
Francis Wright, Feb. 15, 1864. 

Company B. 
Duncan S. Alexander, March 15, 1864. 
Charles Henson, in 1864. 
Jacob Walce, in 1865. 

Company C. 
Corp. Bela C. Ide, March 15, 1864. 
William F. Hughes, March 15, 1863. 
Sebri H. Fairman, Feb. 4, 1864. 
Alonzo B. Markham, Dec. 19, 1863. 

Company D. 
Oliver Herrick, Jan. 21, 1865. 
Jacob Kaiser, May 31, 1864. 
James Palmer, in 1864. 
John Guest (R.), May 3, 1865. 

Company F. 
Corp. Christopher Henne, Jan. 15, 1864. 
August Albrecht, July i, 1863. 
Louis L. Beaubien, May 15, 1864. 
Edward Burkhans, March 15, 1864. 
William Bullock, Feb. 15, 1864. 
Ludwig Herzel, Jan. 15, 1864. 



Company E. 

Corp. Lewis Dale, May 15, 1864. 
Thomas Gibbons, April 10, 1864. 

Company G. 
John M. Dermody, Sept. 30, 1863. 
William R. Graves, March 15, 1864. 
Barney McKay, April 14, 1864. 
Silas A. McMillan, July r, 1863. 
Joseph J. Watts, July i, 1863. 

Company H. 
Barney J. Campbell, Dec. 19, 1863. 
John Peterson, Jan. 15, 1864. 

Company I. 
Charles H. Houk, July i, 1863. 
Peter Brink, Jan. 15, 1864. 
John P. Barrett, Jan. 15, 1864. 
John J. Dickey, Jan. 15, 1864. 
David Lewis (R.), March 8, 1864. 

Company K. 
Thomas Butler, Aug. 10, 1864. 
Michael Daly, April 27, 1864. 
Robert Outhwaite, Dec. 19, 1864. 
Robert R. Peters, Sept. i, 1863. 
James Van Houten, Sept. 30, 1863. 
David A. Wood, March 13, 1864. 
Hiram B. Millard. March 10, 1864. 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 385 

Morris Troutt, B, in 1864. Captured at Gettysburg. Prisoner 14 months. 

Edward A. Raynor, B, Feb. i, 1S64. In Battery B 17 months. 

Joseph Smith, B, Nov. 15, 1863. In Battery B 8 months. 

William H. Wills, B, Nov. i, 1863. In Battery B 8 months. 

Henry S. Baker, D, March i, 1864. Quartermaster's Clerk, 18 months. 

Corp. Irwin W. Knapp, F. Prisoner at Fredericksburg. 



DISCHARGED FOR WOUNDS. 

Lieut.-Col. Mark Flanigan, Nov. 21, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Major Edwin B. Wight, Nov. 17, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Capt. William H. Rexford, Nov.' 21, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Capt. Charles A. Hoyt, Nov. 21, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Corp. John S. Coy, Jr., A, Jan. 20, 1864 ; wounded four times at Gettysburg. 

Corp. Mark T. Chase, A, Oct. 7, 1864 ; captured in Div. Prov. Guard, Dec. i, 1862. 

Prisoner seven months. Wounded and prisoner at Wilderness. 
Corp. James P. Horen, A, April 6, 1865 ; lost an arm in Wilderness. 
Corp. Herman Stehfest, A, June 15, 1865 ; lost an arm at Dabney's Mill. Served in 

Battery B, 19 months. 
Solomon S. Benster, A, Oct. 27, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Frank Brennon, A, June 2, 1865 ; wounded at Laurel Hill. 
Albert Peyscha, A, March 10, 1865 ; wounded at Wilderness. 
George W. Dingman (R.), A, June 7, 1865 ; wounded at Dabney's Mill. 
Ferdinand Stark (R.), A, July 24, 1865.; wounded at Petersburg. 
Peter Vermiller (R.), A, May 17, 1865 ; wounded at Laurel Hill. 
John Happe, A, Dec. 10, 1863 ; lost a foot in Battery B at Gettysburg. 
Sergt. John J. Duryea, B, May 26, 1865 ; wounded at Petersburg. 
Corp. James S. Booth, B, May 9, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Andrew J. Arnold, B, Jan. 24, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Frederick Delosh, B, Sept. 10, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Henry M. Fielding, B, Jan. 14, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Daniel Sullivan, B, June 23, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Patrick Shannon, B, Nov. 24, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Lafayette Veo, B, Nov. 24, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Richard Maloney, B, June 5, 1865 ; wounded and prisoner at Gettysburg. 
Charles D. Minckler, B, April 5, 1865 ; prisoner at Gettysburg, wounded at Petersburg. 
William Smith, B, Nov. 28, 1863 ; lost an arm at Gettysburg. 
Joseph E. McConnell, B, in 1865. Went out with regiment. Not regularly enlisted 

and not mustered. Served until Dec. 20, 1862, and received no pay or aid. 

Refused to muster and permitted to go home. Enlisted in regiment, April i, 

1863 ; wounded at Petersburg ; left leg amputated and wounded in other leg. 
George H. Graves, B, June 21, 1863 ; wounded at Fredericksburg. 
1st Sergt. Asa Joy, C, Oct. 16, 1863 ; leg amputated at Gettysburg. 
Sergt. Edgar O. Durfee, C, Dec. 28, 1863 ; arm amputated at Gettysburg. 
Corp. Aiken HoUoway, C, April 4, 1865 ; wounded at Wilderness. 
Corp. Wm. H. Whallon, C, Jan. 22, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
John W. Babbitt, C, Nov. 16, 1863 ; leg amputated at Gettysburg. 
Calvin Maxfield, C, April 27, 1865 ; wounded at North Anna. 
Christian Stockfleth, C, May 3, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
(28) 



386 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Robert Towers, C, March 23, 1865 ; prisoner at Gettysburg ; wounded at Petersburg. 
John M. Doig, C, Nov. 11, 1863 ; wounded at Fitzhugh. 

Corp. John Moody, D, Aug. 21, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg and Jericho Ford ; arm 
amputated. 

Corp. Orson B Curtis, D, March 2, 1863. Left in hospital at Brooks' SAtion, Va., 
when army moved for Fredericksburg. Heard firing on Rappahannock and with 
permission of Assistant Surgeon C. C. Smith, started for his regiment. Marched 
14 miles, fell in with Seventh Michigan Infantry, crossed Rappahannock with 
them in boats, and helped clear the enemy from the rifle pits ; wounded in 
subsequent engagement ; left arm amputated on the field. 

Peter C. Bird, D, Oct. 21, 1865 ; wounded severely in leg at Gettysburg. 

John Danbert, D, June 8, 1865 ; wounded at Laurel Hill and Dabney's Mill ; leg 
amputated. 

Richard Palmer, D, April 6, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg by ball striking his breast 
plate, producing paralysis of body. 

Amos Abbott, D, July 20, 1865 ; wounded at Laurel Hill. 

William T. Nowland, D, Dec. 1, 1864 ; wounded at Laurel Hill. 

Christopher Mayhew, D, Feb. 23, 1865 ; wounded at Laurel Hill, (R.) 

Henry W. Randall, D, Sept. 13, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg.. 

Sergt. Andrew Strong, D, June 9, 1865 ; wounded at Bethesda Church. 

Wm. Walter Sands, D, April 28, 1864 I wounded at Gettysburg, severely in leg. 

Samuel Brown (R.), D, May 18, 1865 ; wounded at Wilderness. 

J. L. Fair-weather (R,), D, May 17, 1865 ; wounded at Dabney's Mill. 

1st Sergt. Joseph R. Boyle, E, Oct. 26, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg and Wilderness. 

Sergt. Thomas Stackpole, E, Jan 14, 1865 ; wounded at Petersburg. 

Corp. James, S. Murphy, E, Nov. 18, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Corp. Frank Schneider, E, May 6, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Corp. Eugene Smith, E, Oct. 7, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg and Fredericksburg. 

Patrick Tuney, E, Jan. i, 1864; leg amputated at Gettysburg. 

Joseph Collins, E. After the war ; wounded at Wilderness. 

Corp. Andrew Wagner, F, March 28, 1864; wounded severely at Gettysburg while 
carrying the colors. 

John G. Klinck, F, Oct. 22, 1864; prisoner at Gettysburg; wounded at Wilderness. 
Noted for his "mouth organ" music in camp. 

Charles B. Cicotte (R.), F, Dec. 19, 1864; wounded at Petersburg. 

Thomas Robinson (R.), F, Dec. 27, 1864; wounded at Petersburg. 

Peter Ford, F, March 29, 1865 ; wounded at Bethesda Church. 

Eugene Sims, F, Nov. 7, 1863 ; lost left arm at Gettysburg. 

Charles F. Allyn, G, May 17, 1865; wounded twice at Gettysburg and twice at 
Bethesda Church. 

Michael Brabeau, G, April 16, 1865. Wounded at Gettysburg, Petersburg and 
Dabney's Mill. 

Sergt. John W. McMillan, G, Nov. 30, 1864; lost a leg at Gettysburg. 

Corp. James R. Lewis, G, Dec 17, 1864; wounded at Bethesda Church. 

Wm. A. Armstrong, G, Nov. 26, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

George Hinmonger, G, Dec. 31, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Wm. H. Southworth, G, Nov. 2, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Sam'l T. Lautenschlager, G, March 29, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Charles G. Malley, G, June 8, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

James Ford, G, June 7, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg and Wilderness. 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 387 

Edward L. Farrell, H, June 9, 1865 ; prisoner at Fredericksburg, wounded at Wilder- 
ness and Petersburg. 

James F. Clegg, H, May 13, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg and Spottsylvania. 

Anthony Brabeau, H, Sept. 20, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Joseph Schunck, H, May 24, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

John J. Larkins, H, July 31, 1865 ; wounded at North Anna. 

Mathew Myers, H, May 23, 1865 ; wounded at North Anna. 

ist Sergt. Albert E. Bigelow, I, Nov. 11, 1S64 ; wounded at Gettysburg and Wilderness. 

Corp. Orville W. Stringer, I, Jan. 4, 1865 ; prisoner at Gettysburg ; wounded at 
Petersburg. 

John Bryant, I, March 7, 1863 ; lost an arm at Fredericksburg. 

Corp. David S. Sears, I, March 11, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Francis C. Hodgman, I. Nov. 17, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Charles Robinson, I, Dec. 10, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Henry Schindehett, I, March 24, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

John H. Canfield, I, May 31, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg and Wilderness. 

Patrick Clarey, I, Feb. 26, 1864 ; leg amputated at Gettysburg. 

Richard M. Fish, I, May 3, 1865 ; leg amputated at Gettysburg. 

Mark Hearn, I, May 29, 1865 ; wounded at Bethesda Church. 

Charles Daney, I, March 9, 1866 ; wounded on Weldon Road. 

1st Sergt. Robert A. Bain, K, Dec. 10, 1863 ; arm shot off at Fredericksburg. 

Sergt. Samuel F. Smith, K, Dec. 14, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg and Bethesda 
Church. 

Corp. Wm. M. Johnson, K, Jan. 5, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Corp. Isaac M. Jennie, K, Oct. 6, 1864; wounded at Wilderness. 

James Lynch (R.), K, May 31, 1865 ; wounded at Dabney's Mill. 

Andrew Bruthaumpt, K, April 25, 1864 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Joseph Ferstel, K, Sept. 5, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

David J. Kellar, K, April 25, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Charles E. Miller, K, June 6, 1864; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Enoch A. Whipple, K, Sept. 12, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Wilber F. Straight, K, Dec. 30, 1864 ; wounded and prisoner at Wilderness. 

Gurdon L. Wight, K, July 13, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg and at Petersburg ; left 
leg amputated. 

RESIGNED. 

Lt.-Col. W. W. Wight, June 9, 1864. Capt. James Cullen, Dec. 20, 1862. 

Major Henry W. Nall, April 17, 1863. Capt. Wm. A. Owen, March 7, 1863. 

Surgeon John H. Beach, April 4, 1865. Capt. W. G. Vinton, Dec. 29, 1862. 

Asst. Surgeon C. C. Smith, Feb. 13, 1863. Capt. J. M. Farland, July 9, 1864. 

Asst. Surg. Alex. Collar, Sept. 18, 1863. Capt. A. J. Connor, Oct. 14, 1864. 

Adjt. James J. Barns, May 9, 1863. Capt. George W. Burchell. Jan. 21, 1865. 

Qrm. DiGHY V. Bell, jr., Nov. 3, 1863. 1st Lt. J. J. Lennon, Dec. 20, 1862. 

Capt. I. W. Ingersoi.l. Dec. 20. 1862. 2d Lt. C. C. Yemans, Sept. i, 1863. 

Capt. Calvin B. Crosby, Dec. 5, 1862. 2d Lt. John M. Gordon, Dec. 28, 1862. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 
Company A. Harrison Raker, May 31, 1865. 

Sergt. Wendell Benster, Dec. 22, 1862. George Eldridge, April 25, 1865. 

Corp. Menzo M. Benster, Feb. 8, 1863 ; Jacob Fischer, Feb. 2. 1863. 

was with the color guard. William Kendall, April 14, 1863. 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Wm. W. Smith, Aug. 28, 1863. 
James K. Soults, Sept. 26, 1862. 

Company B. 

Sergt. Martin L. Peavy, May 26, 1865. 

Corp. James Hanmer, jr., June 29, 1865. 

Francis Baysley, March 31, 1865. 

Thomas Coope, Jan. i, 1863. 

Joseph French, Aug. 6, 1863. 

Frank Hicks ; never left Detroit. 

Jacob Klinck, March 31, 1863. 

John J. Lucas, July 6, 1863. 

William Smith, Dec. 25, 1862. 

Nathan Way, June 11, 1863. 

Corp. Arthur Macy, June 5, 1865 ; wound- 
ed twice at Gettysburg. 

Timothy O'Connor, May 8, 1865 ; absent 
since Sept. 8, 1862. 

Company C. 
1st Sergt. Charles Westfall, Oct. 31, 1862. 
Corp. Oscar N. Loud, Nov. 13, 1862. 
Corp. Dewit C. Taylor, Nov. 13, 1862. 
Thomas A. Armstrong, Nov. 13, 1862. 
Oscar N. Baker, Nov. 13, 1862. 
Wm. H. Brigham, Sept. 26, 1862. 
Wm. W. Barton, Aug. 17, 1863. 
Chas. H. Cogswell, May 28, 1864. 
James B. Crosby, Dec. 22, 1862. 
Henry C. Dennis, Feb. 28, 1863. 
Jacob Farley, Sept. 20, 1862. 
Alfred W. Hanmer, June 10, 1863. 
James N. Loud, Nov. 24, 1862. 
Wm. H. Lewis, Sept. 20, 1862. 
Nelson H. May, Sept. 30, 1862. 
James St. John (R.), July 19, 1865. 
Henry Smith (R.), June 3, 1865. 
Norman Collins, May 19, 1865, (drummer). 
Watson W. Eldridge, June 3, 1865, two 

years in Hosp. Detach. 
George W. Hoisington, April 28, 1865 ; 

teamster for two years. 
James S. Seeley, Oct. 7, 1863 ; prisoner at 

Gettysburg. 

Company D. 
Sergt. Geo. E. Moore, March 14, 1864. 
Corp. Geo. W. Chrouch, Nov. 12, 1862. 
Corp. A. C. Chamberlin, Sept. 30, 1862. 
Corp. Wm. F. Hicks, Feb. 7, 1863. 
Persons H. Brace, March 24, 1863. 



Geo. H. Cheeney, Feb. 6, 1863. 

Draugott Haberstrite, Sept. 10, 1863. 

William Hall, May 19, 1865 ; in ambu- 
lance corps 2^^ years. 

Frank Heig, May 12, 1865 ; in ist Corps 
Qrm. Dept., 2 years. 

Peter F. Lantz, June 4, 1863. 

Fernando W. Moon. Jan. 13, 1864. 

James Renton, Oct. 23, 1863. 

William M. Ray, June 15, 1863. 

Newell Stevens, June 30, 1863. 

Company E. 
Sergt. Thomas Burns, July 6, 1863. 
Corp. Garrett Rourke, Feb. 6, 1864. 
Corp. Amos C. Rogers, April 22, 1863. 
Henry Coonrad, June 11, 1863. 
Patrick Coffey, April 8, 1863. 
Patrick Conlon, Feb 23, 1863. 
Owen Donavan, Sept. 28, 1862. 
John Gabriel, Feb. 2, 1863. 
Evens H. McCloud, Oct. 19, 1863. 
George D. McGiveron, April 2, 1863. 
Andrew Kelley, July i, 1864. 
John Schultz, Feb. 28, 1863. 
Joseph Trumbradd, June 11, 1863. 
James E. Whalon, Sept. 28, 1862. 
Thomas Rourke (R.), Oct. 29, 1864. 

Cojtipany F. 
Sergt. Jno. J. Littlefield, Feb. 23, 1863. 
Corp. John J. Sullivan, Dec. 8, 1862. 
Joel R. Brace, Nov. 14, 1862. 
Francis, Flury, Sept. 18, 1862. 
William S. Fox, March 17, 1863. 
George M. Holloway, May 29, 1863. 
Elmer Holloway, Dec. 17, 1862. 
John Hartman, May 28, 1863. 
Fayette Jones, Nov. 12, 1862. 
Gideon Martin, May 13, 1863. 
Myron Murdock, July 6, 1863. 
Charles Raymond, March 14, 1863. 
Henry Seele, Oct. 20, 1862. 
Theodore Smith, Jan. 5, 1864. 
A. L. Schmidt, June 10, 1863. 

Company G. 
Garrett Garrettson, jr.. May 20, 1865. 
John H. Terry, Nov. 8, 1864. 
Wm. H. Vannoiler, Sept. 20, 1862. 
Albert Taylor (R.), Mar. 27, 1865. 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 



389 



Daniel Blakely, Musician, Jan. 3, 1863. 
Charles H. Dalrymple, March 29, 1864. 
Wm. R. Lewis, to Qrm. Dept., June 19, 
1863. 

Company H. 

Sergt. Rich'd H. Davey, Dec. 8. 1862. 
Sergt. John H. Wiley, Sept. 10, 1863. 
Corp. Robert Simpson, April 27, 1863. 
Corp. Anthony Jacobs, Aug. i, 1863. 
Corp. Wm. Featherstone, Aug. 10, 1865. 
Edward Eberts, Feb. 28, 1863. 
William Ford, Dec. 8, 1862. 
Leander R. Hoople, March 30, 1863. 
Wm. H. Howlett, Sept. 25, 1862. 
Charles E. Letts, Jan 30, 1863. 
William F. Reed, Feb. 25, 1863. 
Geo. W. Severance, Jan. 14, 1863. 
Samuel Steele, Dec. 12, 1862. 
Charles W. Thomas, April 30, 1863. 
Charles M. Stickles, Nov. 12, 1862. 
Thomas Drumming (R.), May 3, 1865. 
D. C. Butterfield, Feb. 27, 1863. 
Geo. G. Cady (wagoner), Sept. 25, 1862. 
David Ferguson (drummer), Jan., 1863. 
Abram Hoffmann, March 5, 1863, for 

injuries from firing " funeral salute," 

at Brooks' Station, Va. 
Benj. Pelong, June, 1865. Absent from 

regiment two years. 
F. A. Schaube (musician), Jan'y, 1863. 

Company I. 

Sergt. Silas H. Wood, Oct. 26, 1863. 
Corp. Wm. H. Cross, Sept. 10, 1863. 
Corp. Pratt B. Haskell, Sept. 10, 1863. 
Corp. Fred. F. Bates, April 27, 1863. 



Henry H. Crarey, March 14, 1863. 
Luther D. Carr, April 11, 1863. 
John Clark, Jan. i, 1863. 
Oscar Delong, July 13, 1863. 
Wallace P. Dicks, Feb. 23, 1863. 
Alexander J. Eddy, Aug. 15, 1865. 
Lewis Hawkins, Jan. i, 1863. 
A. J. Hutchinson, Feb. 24, 1863. 
Alpheus Johnson, Oct. 10, 1863 ; prisoner 

at Gettysburg. 
Adolphus Londrush, Jan. 2, 1863, 
Alexander O'Rourke, Sept. 26, 1862. 
Byron Pierce, April 27, 1863. 
Wm. J. Riffenbury, Sept. 26, 1862. 
Charles F. Sweet, April i, 1863. 
Cornelius Veley, Feb. 4, 1863. 
Jeremiah Vining, Sept. 10, 1863. 
Roswell Van Kuren, Jan. i, 1863. 
James Whalen, Jan. 20, 1863. 
Henry Wooden, Feb. 4, 1863. 

Company K. 

Corp. Samuel Johnson, May 23, 1865. 
Richard D. Ainsworth, Aug. 9, 1863. 
William H. Cole, Feb. 4, 1863. 
Eugene C. Gessley, Feb. 21, 1863. 
Albert A. Galpin, Jan. i, 1864. 
Marvin L. Lapham, Feb. 16, 1S63. 
William Lorra, April 25, 1863. 
Neil McNeil, Feb. 17, 1863. 
Geo. W. Olmstead, Feb. 21, 1863. 
William Piatt, Nov. 17, 1862. 
Hugh G. Roberts, Sept. 20, 1862. 
Abraham Rathbone, Dec. 12, 1862. 
Wallace A. Wood, Sept. 6, 1863. 
John Wightman (R.), Oct. 13, 1864. 



DISCHARGED FOR PROMOTION IN THE REGIMENT. 



Sergt. George Dingwall, A. 
Sergt. Hugh F. Vanderlip, A. 
Sergt. Edward B. Wilkie, A. 
(N. C. S.) Augustus F. Ziegler, A. 
Sergt. Samuel W. Church, B. 
Sergt. George H. Pinkney, B. 
Sergt. John Witherspoon, B. 
Sergt. Augustus Pomeroy, C. 
(N. C. S.) Lucius L. Shattuck, C. 
Corp. Sirel Chilson, D. 



Sergt. E. Ben Fischer, D. 
Sergt. George W. Haigh, D. 
Sergt. Shepherd L. Howard, D. 
Sergt. Charles A. King, D. 
Sergt. Michael Dempsey, E. 
(N. C. S.) Gilbert A. Dickey, E. 
(N. C. S.) Alonzo Eaton, E. 
(N. C. S.) Andrew J. Connor, F. 
(N. C. S.) Edwin E. Norton, F. 
Sergt. L. H. Chamberlin, F. 



390 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Sergt. George W Chilson, F. 
Sergt. William B. Hutchinson, F. 
Sergt. George A. Ross, F. 
Sergt. James D. Shearer, F. 
Sergt. Andrew J. Bucklin (R.), F. 
Sergt. Charles H. Chope, G. 
Sergt Benjamin W. Hendricks, G. 
Sergt. George Hutton, G. 
Sergt. William M. McNoah, G. 
Sergt. Albert Wilford, G. 



Sergt. Augustus Hussey, H. 
Sergt. William R. Dodsley, H. 
Sergt. Everard B. Welton, H. 
Sergt. Ferdinand E. Welton, H. 
Private David Congdon, H. 
(N. C. S.) Elmer D. Wallace, H. 
Sergt. Abraham Earnshaw, I. 
Sergt, William T. Wheeler, I. 
Sergt. R. H. Humphreyville, K. 
(N. C. S.) Ira W. Fletc'.ier, K. 



DISCHARGED FOR PROMOTION IN OTHER REGIMENTS. 

ist Lt. Frederick A. Buhl, B, Nov. lo, 1863. (Capt. ist Cav.) 
2d Lt. Jacob M. Howard, jr., F, Aug. 15, 1863. Staff Duty. 
(N. C. S.) Francis Raymond, jr., April 29, 1864. (Adjt. ist Mich. Inf.) 
(N. C. S.) James F. Raymond, Feb. i, 1863. 
Sergt. Wm. H. Ingersoll, B, Oct. 10, 1863. (gth Mich. Cav.) 
Corp. John C. Alvord, B, Jan. 20, 1863. (9th Mich. Cav.) 
Corp. James R. Havens, B, Dec. 25, 1862. (9th Mich. Cav.) 
Corp. Warren A. Norton, H, Dec. i, 1862. (Capt. 27th Mich. Inf.) 
Amander G. Barns, B, Sept. 27, 1863. Wounded at Gettysburg. 
Henry B. Hudson, B, Jan. 20, 1863. (9th Mich. Cav.) 
Lionel B. Hartt, D, May r, 1864. (Chaplain 95th N. Y.) 
William B. Knapp, D, April 10, 1864. (Hosp. Steward, U. S. A.) 

Amos Andrews, G, March 29, 1864. (ist Lt. io2d U. S, Colored Infantry). Wounded 
at Gettysburg. 



DISCHARGED FOR MISCELLANEOUS REASONS, 

1st Lt. Henry P. Kinney, I, Jan. 20, 1863. (By order). 

1st Lt. Abraham Earnshaw, I, March 4, 1864. (By Court Martial). 

2d Lt. Wm. T. Wheeler, I, May 20, 1863. (For cowardice). 

Sergt. Willard Roe, C, June 14, 1864. (For Signal Corps). 

Sergt. Frank Kendrick, E, Dec. 14, 1865. (By order). Wounded at Gettysburg. 

Corp. Benjamin H. Conwell, B, May i, 1864. (To enter navy). 

Corp. Charles H. Owen, G, April 24, 1864. (To enter navy). 

Corp. Patrick W. Nolan, E, Sept. i, 1863. (To enter navy). 

Neil Christensen (R.), C, April i, 1864. (To enter navy). 

John Southard, E, April i, 1864. (To enter navy). 

Willard A. Smith, F, April i, 1864. (To enter navy). 

John H. Drew, G, April i, 1864. (To enter navy). 

Jonathan Briggs, I, April 15, 1864. (To enter navy). 

Ambrose Roe, C, June 30, 1864. (For signal corps). 

Daniel Mara, B, Aug. 22, 1862. (By habeas corpus). 

Thomas Brennon, E, Feb. 2, 1864. (By habeas corpus). 

Daniel B. Nichols (Drum Major), Nov. 3, 1862. Honorably by order. 

Charles Phillips (Fife Major), Nov. 3, 1862. Honorably by order. 

George F. Hamilton (musician). A, March 20, 1863. Honorably by order. 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 39 1 

Herman Krumback (drummer), B, March 20, 1863. Honorably by order. 
Patrick Malone (drummer), B, March 20, 1863. Honorably by order. 
Charles A. Phillips (drummer), C, March 20, 1863. Honorably by order. 
Henry D. Chilson (drummer), D, March 20, 1863. Honorably by order. 
Charles Pascoe, E, March 20, 1863. Honorably by order. 
James T. Newington, B, Feb. 23, 1863. By court martial. 
John Largest (R), F, May 6, 1865. By court martial. 
William IngersoU, H, April 12, 1863. By court martial. 
Ira F. Pearsoll, H, April 12, 1863. By court martial. 



DISCHARGED AS PAROLED PRISONERS. 

Sergt. William C. Bates, A, June 8, 1865. Wounded and prisoner at Wilderness. In 

Andersonville and other prisons. 
Francis Griffin, Jr., (R.), A, April 18, 1865. Wounded and prisoner at Wilderness. In 

Andersonville. 
Samuel Fury, B, June 24, 1865. Prisoner at Wilderness. 
Corp. James Gillespie, C, June 8, 1865. Prisoner at Gettysburg. At Belle Isle, 

Andersonville and Florence prisons, 21 months. 
Samuel W. Foster, C, May 15, 1865. Captured on " Brooks' Expedition." 
George W. Kynoch, C, June 8, 1865. Wounded at Gettysburg. Wounded and 

prisoner at Wilderness. In Andersonville. 
Henry H. Ladd, D, June 16, 1865. Wounded at Gettysburg. At hospital duty until 

April, 1864. Mounted orderly for Gen. Wadsworth until the latter was killed. 

Orderly for Div. Surgeon-in-Chief Chamberlin and Gen. Cutler until Aug. 1864. 

Prisoner at Weldon Railroad fight. At Belle Isle and Salisbury prisons. 
Melville H. Storms, D, June 8, 1865. Wounded and prisoner at Gettysburg. In 

Andersonville and other prisons 21 months. 
Sergt. Rice F. Bond, E, June 8, 1865. Prisoner at Wilderness. In Andersonville. 
Dennis Dryden, E, at Annapolis Parole Camp, in 1865. Prisoner at Gettysburg. In 

Andersonville 20 months. 
Corp. Levi S. Freeman, F, June 8, 1865. Wounded at Gettysburg. Prisoner at 

Wilderness. In Andersonville. 
Abram Akey, F, May ig, 1S65. Prisoner at Gettysburg. In Andersonville 17 months. 
Andrew Musberger, G, June 24, 1865 (R.). Prisoner at Wilderness. 
James S. Innes, I, in 1865. Prisoner at Wilderness. In Andersonville. Paroled and 

on board "Stm. Sultana" when blown up on the Mississippi, April 27, 1865. 
George W. Ormsbee, I, June ig, 1865. Prisoner at Wilderness. In Andersonville. 
Sergt. B. Ross Finlayson, K, June 16, 1865. Prisoner at Gettysburg and again at 

Weldon Road. At Belle Isle and Salisbury. Claims to have carried the flag for 

a brief time at Gettysburg. 
Frederick Smoots, K, July 5, 1S65 (R.) Prisoner at Wilderness. At Andersonville. 
Several who were mustered out with the regiment had just returned from long 

captivity, 

UNACCOUNTED FOR. 

John Chandler, A, since July 5, 1863. 
Philip Weitz, A, since July 3, 1863. Wounded July i. 
Robert Wortley, A, since July 5, 1865. Paroled prisoner. 
Julius Schultz, A, Missing at Wilderness (R.) 



392 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Albert Thalon, A. Missing at Yellow Tavern (R.) 

Leander Bauvere, B, since Aug. 4, 1863. Wounded April 29. 

John Hackett, B, since Jan. 25, 1865. Two years in Battery. 

Franz Koch, B, since July 5, 1863. Wounded July i. 

Richard Ladore, B, since May 23, 1864. Wounded at North Anna. 

Terrence McCullough, B, since July i, 1863. Wounded same day. 

John McCrudden, B. On furlough in Canada, June 30, 1865. 

James Tyrrell, B. In hospital, last known. 

Conrad Kocher, D, since July 5, 1863. Came up after the war. 

Hugh Brady, E. Recruit. Absent sick, last known. 

Thomas D. EUston, E. Left hospital, Sept 10, 1863. Wounded April 29. 

John Frank, E. Wounded at Gettysburg and Laurel Hill. 

Lewis Grant, E. Prisoner at Gettysburg. Enlisted in Navy. 

Joseph Hirsch, E. Missing at Gettysburg. Came up Oct. 23, 1863. 

William Ringgold, E. (R.) Wounded at North Anna. 

Bozile Vallade, F. (R.) Wounded at Petersburg. 

John M. Evans, F, since Jan. 20, 1863. Enlisted elsewhere. 

Thomas McMahon (R.), G. Absent sick. 

George E. Walker, G. Missing from Battery, Sept. 18, 1864. 

Thomas Fitzgibbons, H. Paroled prisoner at Gettysburg. 

Martin K. Donnelly, H. Missing at Cold Harbor, June i, 1864. 

Joseph Ruby, H. Wounded at Fitzhugh. Missing at Gettysburg. 

Nicholas Ruby, H. Missing near Weldon R. R., Sept. i, 1864. 

Andrew Stowell, H. Missing at Fredericksburg, Dec. 14, 1862. 

Amos Arnold (R.), H. Wounded and absent since June 12, 1864. 

James White (R.), H. Wounded Nov. 9, 1864. 

Morris L. Hoople, H. Wounded at Gettysburg. Prisoner Sept. i, 1864. 

John Donahue (R.), I. No record. 

Geo. B. F. Green, I. Missing at King George C. H., May 21, 1863. 

Daniel Donahue (R.), I. Absent wounded since Aug. 18, 1864. 

Henry Dumont (R.), K. Absent sick. 



LEFT WITHOUT LEAVE AND NEVER RETURNED. 

1st Lt, Michael Dempsey, A, at Annapolis Hospital, July 11, 1864. 

1st Sergt. B. B. Halstead, A, at Belle Plain, Va., Jan. 20, 1863. 

Sergt. Hyacinthe Clark, A, on furlough, March 16, 1863. 

Sergt. Oilman Gilson, A, at Belle Plain, Jan. 20, 1863. 

Dennis Carroll, A, at Belle Plain, Jan. 20, 1863. 

Charles Conlisk, A, at Camp Wayne, Sept. 9, 1862. 

Lewis Cummings, A, at Camp Barns, Aug. 27, 1862. 

Christopher Daniels, A, at Belle Plain, Jan. 20, 1863. 

Charles Dubois, A, at Camp Shearer, Sept. 29, 1862. 

Daniel F. Ellsworth, A, at Belle Plain, Jan. 20, 1863. 

George M. Kemp, A, near Falmouth, Dec. 19, 1862. 

Stephen Kavanaugh, A, at Camp Barns, Aug. 29, 1862. 

Thomas Mercer, A, at Warrenton, Va., Nov. 9, 1862. 

Alex. G. Picard, A, at Camp Shearer, Sept. 29, 1862. 

John Schlittler, A, on furlough, Feb. 10, 1863. 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 393 



Alexander Stewart, A, at Belle Plain, Jan. 20, 1863. 
Andrew J. Vinton (R.), A, at Camp Butler, April 4, 1865. 
John R. Donaldson, B, at Belle Plain, Jan. 20, 1863. 
William Hicks, B, at Baltimore. Sept. i, 1862. 
William Lloyd, B, at Frederick, Oct. i, 1862. 
James McKnight, B, at Belle Plain, Jan. 20, 1863. 
Alonzo C. Mercer, B, at Belle Plain, Jan. 7, 1863. 
Daniel O'Beere, B, at Camp Barns, Aug. 16, 1862. 
James Pender, B, at York Hosp., May 24. 1863. 
Thomas Potter, B, at Camp Barns, Aug. 28, 1862. 
Andrew Simmons, B, at Belle Plain, Jan. 20, 1863. 
Edward Flood (R.), B, at Camp Butler, May 12, 1865. 
John O'Connor (R.), B, at Camp Butler, June, 1865. 
Samuel Smith (R.), B, at Fort Wayne, Ind., Feb. 16, 1865. 
Charles M. Phillips (R.), C, at Camp Butler, April 7, 1865. 
Richard Hamilton (R.), D, at Camp Butler, June 10, 1865. 
ist Sergt. John Galloway, E, at Frederick, Md.. Oct. i, 1S62. 
Sergt. Timothy Finn, E, at Frederick, Md., Oct. i, 1862. 
Sergt. Patrick G. Dollard, E, on march in Pa , July 6, 1863. 
Corp. Michael Finn, E, at Frederick, Md., Oct. i, 1862. 
George Brott, E, at Alexandria, Sept. 7, 1862. 
John Dee, E, on march in Pa., July 6, 1863. 
Joseph Green, E, at Camp Barns, Aug. 20, 1862. 
John Hunt, E, at White Oak Church, Va., June 9, 1863. 
Fred W. Kuhn, E, at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 7, 1862. 
James R. Kernan, E. at Camp Barns, Aug. 14, 1862. 
Clark Ellis, E, at Camp Barns, Aug. 26, 1862. 
John McGeary, E, at Camp Barns, Aug 29, 1862. 
William Vent, E, at Camp Barns, Aug. 23, 1862. 
John Lee, E, on march in Md., July 14, 1863. 
George Nugent, E, on march in Md., July 10, 1863. 
Michael O'Neil, E, at Washington, Oct. i, 1862. 
Cornelius Mahoney (R.), E, from General Hospital, Jan. 25, 1865. 
Benj. F. Buyer, F, at Annapolis, Md., Feb. i, 1S63. 
John Dougherty, F, at Camp Barns, Aug. 17. 1862. 
Alexander D. Fales, F, at Belle Plain, Va., Jan. i, 1863. 
Adolph Fritsch, F, on furlough, Feb. 2, 1864. 
Isaac Nelson, F, at Belle Plain, Jan. i, 1863. 
Nathan Smith, F, at York Hospital, Oct. 8, 1863. 
William K. Yates, F, at Washington, Nov. 13, 1863. 
Oliver Dubey (R.), F, on furlough, August, 1864. 
Joseph Jamieson (R.), F, at Camp Butler, 111., April 8, 1865. 
William Kenney (R.), F, at Camp Butler, 111., March 17, 1S65. 
Daniel Munze, G, at Camp Barns, Aug. 29, 1862. 
Thomas M. Smith, (R.) G, while on furlough. 
Peter Alterman, H, at Camp Barns, Aug. 27, 1862. 
Mathew Anderson (R.), H, at Canap Butler, June 6 1865. 
Ransom J. Fargo (R.), H, on furlough. May 9, 1865. 
Corp. William Hunter, H, in Maryland, Oct. 26, 1862. 
P. G. Scanlon, H, at Camp Barns, Aug. 28, 1862. 
(29) 



394 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Jay Ferguson, I, at Camp Barns, Aug. 29, 1862. 
Oliver Gagnier, I, at Frederick, Md., June 20, 1863. 
Wm. H. H. Dana, K, at Camp Wayne, Sept. 7, 1862. 
Conrad Springer, K, at Gettysburg, July, 1863. 



MUSTERED OUT WITH THE REGIMENT. 

This list includes only original members and recruits that joined 
at the front, together with eleven who joined at Springfield, Illinois, 
and who had become non-commissioned officers. The regiment was 
mustered out at Detroit, Mich., June 30, 1865. Those who had 
already been discharged were, at the time of their discharge, mostly in 
the various hospitals about Washington, Alexandria, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore, etc., as well as in those in the field. (R.) signifies recruit, 
and (Spr. R.), Springfield recruit. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Albert M. Edwards. 

Major William Hutchinson. Asst. Surgeon Edward Lauderdale. 

Adjt. Lewis H. Chamberlin, Chaplain William C. Way. 

Surgeon George W. Towar. Quartermaster David Congdon. 

Sergt. -Major Edward B. Chope, (N. C. S.) 
Quartermaster-Sergt. Sullivan D. Green, (N. C. S.) 
Commissary-Sergt., Charles H. McConnell, (N. C. S.) 
Hospital Steward, Owen Churchill (R.), (N. C. S.) 
Principal Musicians — Arthur S. Congdon and Edwin Cotton, (N. C. S.) 

Cotnpany A. 

Captain Richard S. Dillon. 
ist Lieut. Elmer D. Wallace. 2d Lieut. George Dingwall. 

Sergeants— {1) Alfred Rentz ; (2) Henry Hanstine, wounded at Petersburg; (3) Ignace 

Haltar, wounded at Bethesda Church ; (4) George A. McDonald, wounded at 

Wilderness ; (5) Barnard Parish, wounded at Petersburg. 
Corporals — (i) Alexis De Claire, prisoner at Wilderness ; in Andersonville ; (2) Stephen 

Prairie, wounded at Petersburg ; (3) William Thompson, with colors ; (4) Charles W. 

Fuller, prisoner at Wilderness; in Andersonville; (5) Max Couture, prisoner at 

Gettysburg ; in Andersonville and other prisons, 18 months ; (6) Thomas D. Harris 

(R.) ; (7) James Murphy, wounded near Petersburg; (8) Charles Fellrath, wounded 

at Laurel Hill. 
William H. Blanchard, prisoner at Wilderness ; in Andersonville. 
Roderick Broughton, in Ambulance Corps, 20 months. 

Corp. Peter N. Girardin, wounded and prisoner at Gettysburg ; wounded at Wilderness. 
Sergt. Frederick A. Hanstine, wounded at Petersburg. 
Charles Lature, in Commissary Guard one year. 
Michael Moren, hostler to Surgeon after September, 1863. 
Nelson Oakland (wagoner), injured by overturning of wagon. 
Robert Phillips, in Battery B and Provost Guard, iS months ; prisoner at Wilderness ; 

in Andersonville. 
Frank Picard, in Battery B 20 months ; wounded at Bethesda Church. 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 395 

William Rosseau (wagoner), on provost duty i8 months. 

Anthony Sylvia, nurse in hospital several months. 

Sergt. Lewis L. Wadsworth, paroled prisoner at Gettysburg ; at Headquarters medical 

department. Army of Potomac, three months ; in Division Guard, nine months ; 

Brigade Quartermaster's clerk, ten months. 
Andrew Wright, in Pioneer Corps, one year. 
Peter Desnoyer (R.), wounded at Wilderness. 

Recruits — Joseph Affhalter, Richard M. Burss, Albert Couture, Joseph Giesmaire, John 
W. Hodgetts, John Parish, Peter Roberts and John Townsend. 

Company B. 

Captain Edward B. Wilkie. 
1st Lieut. Alonzo Eaton. 2d Lieut. Charles H. Chope. 

Sergeants— (\)'Rdb^xi Gibbons, wounded at Laurel Hill, May 12, 1864 ; captured Oct. 26, 
1864, by several Confederates whom he persuaded to enter the Union lines; in 
Brigade Commissary Department four months ; in command of the company when it 
came home. (2) Christopher Gero ; (3) George K. Smith (Spr. R.) ; (4) Henry Brown, 
in Battery B, 18 months. 

Corporals — (i) George F. Higby, color guard. May 3, 1864; (2) James Morton (R.) ; (3) 
William J. Keagle (Spr. R.) ; (4) Henry Loss (R.) ; (5) William H. Emmons (Spr. R.); 
(6) James E. Parker (Spr. R,) ; (7) Francis O'Neil (Spr. R.) ; (8) Charles Bruskie (R.) 

Anson B. Culver, in regimental and brigade bands. 

Err Cady, wounded at Laurel Hill; prisoner on Weldon R. R.; taken to Salisbury, N. C. 

Henry R. Bird (R.), drummer ; Edward Carbey. 

Robert Henry, Corps Headquarter's Guard over two years. 

James Mcllhenny, wounded at Gettysburg. 

William M. Macard, at hospital duty most of his time. 

Corp. James Roach, in Division Headquarter's Guard over a year. 

Robert H. Collison (R.), wounded at Wilderness. 

Recruits — John P. Bell, Darius H. Connor, Louis Champaigne, Albert Cooper, Burkhardt 
Freund, James Grills, Luther Hemmingway, William Sullivan, Lorenzo D. Smith 
and Jacob Smith. 

Company C. 

Captain John Witherspoon. 
1st Lieut. Albert Wilford. 2d Lieut. Augustus Pomeroy. 

Seargeants — (i) Roswell L. Root, wounded at Gettysburg and Laurel Hill ; (2) Alfred . 
Noble, orderly at Corps Headquarter's five months ; (3) Minot S. Weed, in Battery 
B 19 months ; (4) William U. Thayer ; (5) Color Sergeant Alvah S. Hill, since Feb. 
I, 1865 ; he brought the colors home. 

Corporals — (i) D. Leroy Adams, prisoner at Gettysburg ; escaped in Virginia on road to 
Richmond ; recaptured by enemy ; paroled and on duty at Annapolis Parole Camp 
until March 10, 1865 ; claims to have carried the colors a brief time at Gettysburg. 
(2) William E. Sherwood, in ambulance corps one year ; (3) Charles H. Holbrook, in 
ambulance corps 17 months; (4) Frank T. Stewart, with colors; wounded at Wilderness. 
(5) Orson Westfall, in Div. Engineer Corps ; wounded at Laurel Hill. (6) Ralph G. 
Terry, wounded at Laurel Hill and Petersburg ; (7) Abraham Velie, wounded at 
Fredericksburg ; in Battery B 19 months. (8) Nelson Pooler, prisoner at Wilderness; 
in Andersonville. 

Joseph McC. Bale (musician), at duty in Quartermaster's Department and hospital. 



396 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

James T. Gunsolly, in Battery B 19 months. 

William Kells, wounded at Petersburg. 

Joshua Minthorn, prisoner at Gettysburg ; in hospital one year. 

John C. Marshall, prisoner at Gettysburg ; in prisons one year. 

Charles W. Root, prisoner at Gettysburg ; in Andersonville 21 months. 

Sergt. George R. Welsh, Asat. Commissary Sergeant 10 months ; color sergeant, May i, 

1864 ; wounded at Laurel Hill, May 8. 
Sergt. John Hogan, transferred from E. 
Recruits — James Bourdon, Arra Cook, Patrick E. English, John R. Field, Jerome Heald, 

John Hutchinson, George K. Innes, Reuben W. Page, Charles Rose, George W. 

Stebbins, Theodore W. Swain, James L. Stafford, Oscar St. Johns, James L. Sharp 

and Amos A. Thompson. 

Company D. 

Captain George W. Haigh. 
1st Lieut. George W. Chilson. 2d Lieut. Charles A. King. 

Serjeants — (i) Oren D. Kingsley, in Div. Com. Guard, ten months; (2) Henry 
Babcock, wounded at Gettysburg ; (3) Joseph Funke ; (4) Alexander Purdy, 
wounded at Laurel Hill, May 10, 1864; (5) Walter Morley, in Provost Guard nine 
months ; Color Corporal May 3, 1864 ; wounded at Laurel Hill May 10 ; wounded 
at Dadney's Mill, Feb. 6, 1865. 

Corporals — (i) Robert C. Bird, wounded at Gettysburg, Wilderness and Dabney's Mill; 
(2) William Jackson, wounded at Laurel Hill; (3) John B. Turney, in Div. 
Provost Guard; (4) Thomas Hall; (5) John Moody, not discharged till Aug. 21, 
1865; (6) James N. Bartlett, wounded at Gettysburg; in Pioneer Corps, ten 
months; (7) George L. Packard, in hospital 19 months from loss of voice; (8) 
Aldrich Townsend, wounded at Fitzhugh Crossing and North Anna. 

Abram F. Burden, Brigade Qrm. Orderly. 21 months. 

Clark Chase, in Battery B two years. 

Sergt. Isaac L. Greusel, transferred from E. 

Almon J. Houston, prisoner at Gettysburg ; in rebel prisons, ig months. 

Merritt B. Heath, prisoner at Gettysburg; wounded at Laurel Hill. 

John H. Kingsley, in " Hospital Detachment" three months. 

James Lindsay, Div. Train Guard, Dec. 7, 1862 ; Color Guard, Dec. 3, 1864. 

John Orth, in Battery B, 19 months ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Robert Polk, in Ambulance Corp, 17 months. 

George P. Roth, in " Inv. Detachment," 10 months; in Andersonville 11 months. 

Corp. John Stange, in Div. Train Guard, 13 months ; wounded at Laurel Hill. 

Corp. Geo. W. Segar, Hospital duty 10 months ; wounded at Weldon Railroad. 

Peter Stack, wounded at Gettysburg. 

Anthony Thelan (Fifer), in Div. Train Guard 15 months. 

Corp. Jabez Walker, wounded at Gettysburg ; one year in Com. Dept. 

Corp. George Wetterich, in Qrm. Dept. and Hospital 16 months. 

William Biggsley (R.), wounded at Petersburg. 

William Barrett (R.), wounded at Dabney's Mill. 

George Dolan (R.), wounded at Dabney's Mill. 

A. Brutus Heig (R.), wounded at Laurel Hill. 

Samuel Reed (R.), wounded at Wilderness ; prisoner at Weldon Railroad; taken to- 
Salisbury, N. C, prison for 7 months. 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 397 

Recruits — Barney Anderson, Augustus F. Brousky, Thomas Baxter, Allen Brown, 
Thomas Downing, Reuben E. Glass, John L. Gould, Harvey D. Hale and James 
M. Turing. 

Company E. 

Captain H. Rees Whiting. 
1st Lieut. Samuel W. Church. 2d Lieut. E. Ben Fischer. 

Sergeants — (i) Charles D. Durfee, wounded at Gettysburg ; Volunteer to Color Guard, 
Oct. i6, 1864 ; transferred from C to E. (2) Henry T. Willaird (R.) ; (3) James D. 
Jackson, wounded at Gettysburg ; (4) Harrison M. Dickey (Spr. R.); (5) William 
Kennell (Spr. R). 

Corporals — (i) Charles Leigh (Spr. R.); (2) Patrick Coffee, re-enlisted ; vol. to Color 
Guard, May 3, 1864. (3) Patrick Fury, wounded at Bethesda Church ; (4) George 
Wolcott(Spr. R.); (5) James L. Ryan (R.); (6) George Ruby (R.); (7) Charles Salsbury 
(Spr. R.); (8) Jonathan W. Crawford (Spr. R). 

Harvey Allen — James W. BuUard (wagoner). 

Sergt. Moses Amo, wounded and prisoner at Gettysburg. 

Sidney P. Bennett, no record except mustered out. 

Cornelius Crimmins, wounded at Laurel Hill. 

James Kidd (fifer); — Sergt. Frederick W. Wright. 

Hugh Murphy, wounded at Laurel Hill. 

Henry Moynahan, wounded in Battery B at Gettysburg. 

Andrew Nelson, in Ammunition Train 17 months. 

Nelson Pelon, prisoner at Gettysburg ; at Headquarters for one year. 

Corps. John Proctor, William Powers and Erskine Wood. 

Robert Reed, in Battery B and Div. Provost Guard, two years, nine months. 

Henry S. Wood (musician), in Brigade Band one year. 

James P. Wood (musician), in Brigade Band one year. 

Recruits — Henry E. Bradley, Dayton Fuller, Lewis Hartman, Nicholas Hanning, 
Benjamin Pettengill, Ephraim P. Stratton, Morgan Steinbeck, John Talbot and 
Ephraim M. Yaw. 

Company F. 

Captain George A. Ross. 
1st Lieut. Augustus F. Ziegler. 2d Lieut. James D. Shearer. 

Sergeants — (i) Ransford Wilcox, in band 16 months; (2) Herman Krumback (re-enlisted); 
(3) David H. Campbell; (4) Shelden E. Crittenden, captured on "Brooks' Expedi- 
tion" and taken to Andersonville ; (5) Frank T. Shier, wounded at Gettysburg. 

Corporals — (i) Amos B. Cooley, Color Guard, May 3, 1S64 ; wounded at Petersburg, June 
18. (2) Anthony Bondie, wounded at Petersburg ; Sergeant, July 12, 1S64 ; lost 
rank from sickness. (3) George Krumback; (4) William R. Shier, prisoner at 
Gettysburg; wounded at Laurel Hill. (5) Frank H. Pixley, wounded at Wilder- 
ness ; i6) Daniel W. Crane (R.); (7) Allen H. Cady (R.); (8) Silas Ausunkerhin (R.) 

William'.W. Graves (musician), — Patrick McGran (wagoner). 

Patrick Connelly, wounded at Gettysburg ; prisoner at Wilderness. 

Corp. James Donavan, prisoner at Gettysburg ; in H, E and F. 

Edward Gohir, in Battery B 19 months. 

Corp. Charles E. Hale, wounded at Gettysburg. 

Charles E. Jenner, wounded at North Anna and Dabney's Mill. 

Sergt. Norbert Multhaupt. 



398 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Julius A. Reynolds (wagon nmaster) ; in Quartermaster's Department. 

Matthew Wehrle, on duty in Division Hospital most of service. 

Recruits — Paul Boutts, Henry Baker, Charles V. Daniels, Abel A. Doty, John S. 
Ensign, William W. Griffin, Joseph Greusel, Joseph Gaffele, Bird H. Hosmer, 
Leander Herrick, Anthony Reno, Adam Oehring, Henry Oakes, Frank M. Rose 
and Franklin Van Schoick. 

Compariy G. 

Captain Benjamin W. Hendricks. 
1st Lt. Ferdinand E. Welton. 2d Lt. Augustus Hussey. 

Sergeants — (i) Wm. M. McNoah; (2) Charles Stoflet, wounded at Wilderness ; (3) Peter 
T. Lezotte; (4) Peter Euler; (5) Henry Bierkamp, prisoner at Gettysburg. 

Corporals — (i) John Broombar, wounded at Gettysburg ; (2) Samuel Brown, wounded 
in Wilderness ; (3) Julius Lezotte ; (4) George W. Wilson, wounded at Dabney's 
Mill ; (5) Thomas Jackson; (6) Edwin Martin; (7) Samuel T. Hendricks; (8) Joseph 
G. Thompson. 

William Young (drummer); — Benj. W. Pierson (wagoner). 

Peter Batway, in battery 19 months ; wounded at Laurel Hill and Dabney's Mill. 

John Butler, paroled prisoner at Gettysburg ; came up Oct. 5, 1863. 

Theodore Bach, in battery 19 months ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Lyman W. Blakely, in Battery B 22 months. 

John Cole, wounded at Gettysburg. 

John Cavanaugh, paroled prisoner at Gettysburg. 

Charles Dennis, in Ammunition Train till Feb. 12, 1865. 

Sidney B. Dixon (musician), in Brigade Band one year. 

Marion Hamilton, prisoner at Wilderness ; in Andersonville. 

Michael Hanrahan, in hospital two years. 

William Jewell, prisoner at Wilderness ; in Andersonville. 

Lewis W. James, — Charles Martin. 

Douglas M. Page, — Herman Shultz. 

George Oakley, in Battery B 19 months. 

David Valrance, jr., in Ammunition Train till 1865. 

Color Corp. William Weiner, wounded at Laurel Hill. 

Henry Bedford (R.), wounded at Laurel Hill. 

Recruits — John Baker, George Beresford, Isaac Conling, Mathew Cavanaugh, John 
Casey, David Fox, Daniel Flemming, James Keenan, Richard Lennon, John 
McPherson, August McKeever, Henry S. Paris and Charles Rhew. 

Company H. 

Captain Edwin E. Norton. 
1st Lt. Everard B. Welton. 2d Lt. Hugh F. Vanderlip. 

Sergeants — (i) William H. Hoffman, prisoner at Gettysburg ; wounded at Wilderness. 
(2) John Malcho ; (3) Robert E. Bolger, wounded at Gettysburg ; prisoner at 
Weldon Road ; at Belle Isle and Salisbury prisons. (4) John Langdon ; (5) Jacob 
Whyse. 

Corporals— {\) Charles W. Harrison ; (2) Israel Harris, prisoner at Wilderness ; in 
Andersonville ; on " Steamer Sultana," when it blew up on the Mississippi, on his 
journey home. (3) Michael Donavan, wounded at Gettysburg and Wilderness. 
(4) Robert Morris, in battery 19 months. (5) Eli French, wounded at Gettysburg. 
(6) Theodore Grover, in battery 19 months ; wounded at Gettysburg. (7) John 
Moynahan, from E ; wounded at Wilderness. (8) George Moore (R.) 



RECORDS OF THE SURVIVORS. 399 

Charles Bills, wounded near Petersburg. 

August Gilsbach, prisoner at Weldon Road. 

Sergt. John R. King, prisoner at Gettysburg ; at Andersonville. 

Dennis Mahoney, wounded at Gettysburg. 

Alexander H. Morrison, Mt'd Orderly at Brigade Hdqrs. 

John Nollette, in Div. Eng. Corps two years. 

A. Wilder Robinson, served in Battery B. 

Andrew J. Stevens, in Brigade Com. Dept. one year. 

John Steele, in Ambulance Corps one year. 

Albert Sons (musician), in Brigade Band one year. 

Corp. William C. Young. 

Recruits — Apollos Austin, Uriah Caesar, James L. Colligan, John Reeder, Harlem S. 
Sherwood and Edwin Sharai. 

Company I. 

Captain George C. Gordon. 
1st Lieut. Edgar A. Kimmel. 2d Lieut. William M. McNoah. 

Sergeants — (i) William E. Thornton ; (2) Joseph U. B. Hedger, to Color Guard May 3, 
1864; wounded and prisoner May 5, in Wilderness ; (3) Gilbert Rhoades ; (4) 
William D. Murray, wounded at Gettysburg ; (5) David M. Tillman, prisoner at 
Gettysburg. 

Corporals — (i) John L. Stringham, wounded at Fitzhugh Crossing; (2) William W. 
Coon, wounded at Gettysburg and Laurel Hill ; (3) John C. Morehouse (R.); (4) 
Charles A. Kinney; (5) Lewis Gautherat (wagoner); (6) Abner D. Porter (R.); (7) 
William Vandervoort; (8) Samuel F. Cromer. 

Henry C. Stoddard (drummer). Francis R. Ward (Musician). 

Alonzo F. Anscomb (wagoner). 

Francis Hynds, wounded at Gettysburg and Weldon Road. 

Palmer Rhoades, wounded at Gettysburg. 

Anselm Ball (R.), wounded at Petersburg. 

Recruits — James Anderson, Stephen Flynn, William T. Keays, James Miller, Lewis 
McDaniels, Richard Taylor, George P. Vorce and Henry B. Vorce. 

Co?npaiiy K. 

Captain William R. Dodsley. 
1st Lieut. Shepherd L. Howard. 2d Lieut. Ira W. Fletcher. 

Sergeants — (i) Thomas Saunders, wounded at Gettysburg; (2) William D. Lyon, 
wounded at Gettysburg and Laurel Hill ; (3) Barney J. Litogot, wounded at 
Gettysburg and Wilderness ; (4) Jacob M. Van Riper, wounded at Gettysburg and 
Laurel Hill ; (5) Lilburn A. Spaulding, carried colors at Gettysburg for a time ; on 
Recruiting Service one year. 

Corporals — (i) Franklin A. Blanchard, prisoner at Gettysburg ; (2) Johathan Jamieson, 
wounded at Bethesda Church ; (3) Frank Kellogg, in Battery ig months, on Color 
Guard ; (4) John R. Brown, wounded at Laurel Hill ; (5) Isaac I. Green, wounded 
at Wilderness ; (6) Andrew J. Nowland, wounded at Gettysburg ; (7) William L. 
Condit (R.); (8) Henry L. Morse. 

Webster A. Wood (musician). Martin Cole. 
William J. Chase, wounded at Wilderness. 



400 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN 



George H. Dewey, in hospital i8 months. 

Charles Gaffney, wounded at Wilderness. 

Henry Hoisington, wounded at Mine Run. 

Artemas Hosmer, wounded at Laurel Hill. 

George Kipp, wagoner in Div. Supply Train. 

Elijah Little, wounded at Laurel Hill. 

John A. Pattee, in Battery B i8 months. 

Sherman Rice, wounded at Gettysburg by solid shot striking top rail of fence, 

throwing it several rods against Rice. 
Corp. John McDermott, in Battery 19 months ; wounded Aug. 19, 1864. 
Recruits — Alanson Cain, Mathew Frankish, Chauncey M. Griffith, Anson Miller, 

Reuben Merrill, jr., Henry Nowland, John M. Reese, Sylvester Riggs, Henry 

Smith, Edwin Vesey and John Vietz. 




WASHINGTON S TOMB. 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTSYBURG. 





UEXEUAL IJYROX R. I'lEHCE. 

(President of the Day.) 



COLONEL SAMUEL E. PITTMAN. 

(Officer of the Day.) 





GENERAL LUTHER S. TROWBRIDGE 

(Delivered Address on Michigan Troops 
at Gettysburg.) 



REV. JAMES H. POTTS, D. D. 

(Delivered Memorial Address.) 



CHAPTER XXI. 



Michigan Day at Gettysburg. 



IMPORTANCE OF THE BATTLE — NATIONAL CEMETERY. 

aETTYSBURG was the greatest conflict of the Civil War. 
On no other of the many battlefields of that four years' 
struggle was there such equality of numbers, or greater 
strategic issues at stake ; troops from more States, on either 
side, or greater valor displayed on both sides; more bloodshed or a 
greater number of casualties. Gettysburg not only marked the 
recession of the highest tide of the Rebellion, but it formed an epoch 
in the history of the ages, and will ever be classed among the few 
decisive battles of the world, with Arbela, Cheronea, Pharsalia and 
Waterloo. ' It was the only battle fought on Northern soil, not 
mentioning South Mountain and Antietam the year before, fought in 
the border slave State of Maryland. At the time of the battle a 
motion was pending in the British parliament for the recognition of 
the Southern Confederacy. Upon the first intelligence from America 
of the results of that battle, the above motion was indefinitely 
postponed, and thus all prospect of foreign intervention, the only 
hope of Confederate success, was forever lost. 

More attention has been paid to the issues involved, the details, 
strategic movements, plans and results of this battle than many 
others. It was recognized at once by both sides in the struggle and 
by disinterested foreigners, as the most important battle that far, and 
in a few months was made conspicuous from other fields by a national 
dedication in which President Lincoln delivered the epic which will 
be as lasting as his fame. For three days the contending hosts 
fought and 40,000 men lay dead and wounded on the field. Of the 
400 Union regiments, all of which distinguished themselves for valor 
there, Detroit sent forth the one which suffered the greatest number 
of casualties. According to "Fox's Book of Regimental Losses," 
this melancholy honor belongs to the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
Infantry of the Iron Brigade. 

The Union dead at Gettysburg were buried in trenches, and 
wherever convenient, after the battle. Later, a tract of seventeen 

(403) 



404 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

acres on Cemetery Hill, south of the town and adjoining the village 
(Evergreen) burial ground, was purchased for a soldiers' national 
cemetery. The removal of the Federal dead thereto began October 
17, 1863, and consumed five months. This national cemetery was 
dedicated November 19, 1863, when President Lincoln delivered his 
singularly impressive address which succinctly stated the whole issues 
of the war, and will ever be a most wonderful American classic. 

In 1864, the Michigan Legislature, in unison with the action of 
other loyal States, appropriated $3,500 for the improvements of the 
cemetery and, in 1865, $2,500 for completing them and keeping it in 
repair. Union soldiers from eighteen States are there buried. A 
national monument sixty feet high occupies the crown of the hill, 
around which, in semi-circular slopes, are arranged the graves. Alleys 
and State dividing-walks separate the grounds into twenty-two 
sections ; one for the regular army, one for each State, and three for 
the " unknown dead." The graves are uniformly graded, and the 
headstones of equal size, nine inches above ground and ten inches of 
upper surface for inscription of name, company and regiment. Just 
inside the cemetery entrance stands a colossal bronze statue of 
General Reynolds, on monument base, erected by the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

The cemetery is a most beautiful place, the national monument 
and grounds costing $150,000. It contains 3,583 graves of soldiers, 
979 of whom have only the word "unknown" for their epitaph. 
Michigan stands third in the number slain and first in rank of 
population. The Michigan lot contains 172 known dead. The 
frequent names of the Twenty-fourth Michigan are seen among them. 
The rest lie in the " unknown " lot, except such as were removed by 
friends to burial grounds at home. Rev. Dr. Potts, in his memorial 
address there, truly said: "It is an honor to rest on such a spot as 
this. I could wish no higher honor for my mortal frame than to be 
laid by my comrades in this beautiful retreat." 

THE MICHIGAN MONUMENTS. 

A few years ago the Second Massachusetts Infantry erected on 
Gulp's Hill, where it fought, a monument to its dead. The plan thus 
originated, of marking with monuments, the positions of regiments 
on that battlefield, was first adopted by that State, and soon other 
States emulated the good example, until 300 monuments may be seen 
on the field, erected by the States under the auspices of the 




TWENTY FOURTH MICHIGAN MONUMENT AT GETTYSBURG. 
ERECTED BY THE STATE OP MICHIGAN. 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG. 407 

"Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association," who have purchased 
sites and avenues along the battle lines. 

In 1887, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $20,000 for the 
erection of its monuments there. Colonel Geo. G. Briggs (Seventh 
Michigan Cavalry), Lieutenant George W. Crawford (Sixth Michigan 
Cavalry) and Lieutenant Peter Lennon (Fifth Michigan Infantry), 
were appointed a commission by the Governor to expend the 
appropriation. They paid $2,500 to the Battlefield Association for a 
conveyance of all privileges needed to protect Michigan's interests on 
the field. They served without compensation and were able to set 
apart $1,350 to each of the eleven regiments for its monument, $1,000 
to the battery and $500 to the four sharpshooter companies. 

In the spring of 1889 the monuments were completed and located 
as follows: First Infantry, between the Wheatfield and Emmetsburg 
Road ; Third Infantry, in the Peach Orchard ; Fourth Infantry, in 
the Wheatfield ; Fifth Infantry, in the woods west of the Wheatfield 
Seventh Infantry, near the Clump of Trees where Pickett charged 
Sixteenth Infantry and Sharpshooters, on Little Round Top 
Twenty-fourth Infantry, in McPherson's Woods (now called Reynolds 
Grove); Battery I, on Cemetery Ridge; and the First, Fifth, Sixth 
and Seventh Cavalry, east of the town where the cavalry fight 
occurred. 

The monument of the Twenty-fourth Michigan is situated in the 
western part of McPherson's Woods, where its first battle line was 
formed after driving the remnant of Archer's Brigade across 
Willoughby Run. It is quite elaborate and compares favorably with 
the other monuments. The following are its dimensions: 

1st Base — 5 ft. by 5 ft. by 14 in., one stone, Woodbury granite. 
2d Base — 3 ft. 8 in. by 3 ft. 8 in. by 15 in., one stone, Barre granite. 
Die — 2 ft. 8 in. by 2 ft. 8 in. by 3 ft., one stone, Barre granite. 
Plinth — 2 ft. 4 in. by 2 ft. 4 in. by 25 in., one stone, Barre granite. 

Statue — 7 ft. high (soldier with hat on in act of loading a musket). Hard wick Granite. 

Total Height — 14 ft. 6 in. Monument faces nearly west. 

West Face — Front. On 2d Base — " ist (Iron) Brig., ist Div., ist Corps," on 
raised and polished panel. On. Die — "Corps Badge," raised and polished; "Cross 
Flags" cut in relief; "24th Michigan" in raised and polished letters. On Plinth — 
"Bronze Plate," 18 in. by 18 in.; " Michigan State Coat of Arms." 

South Face — Left. On Plinth — " Iron Brigade Badge," raised and polished. 
On Die — Polished panel on which is cut the following inscription : 

"July 1st, 1863. Arrived upon the field to the south of these woods in the 
forenoon of July ist. This Regiment with others of the Brigade (2d and 7th Wisconsin 
and 19th Indiana), charged across the stream in front (Willoughby Run) to the crest 
beyond, assisting in the capture of a large portion of Archer's Tennessee Brigade. It 



408 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

was then withdrawn to this position, where it fought until the line was outflanked and 
forced back." 

East Face — Rear. On Plinth — " Corps Badge," raised and polished. On Die 
— Polished panel upon which appears the remainder of the inscripticn as follows : 

Officers. Men. Total. 

" It went into action with ... 28 468 496 

" It lost, killed and mortally wounded, .8 81 89 

"Otherwise wounded, .... 13 205 21S 

"Captured, 3 53 56 

Total casualties, ......... 363 

" Five Color Bearers were killed and all the Color Guard were killed or wounded. 
Position July 2d and 3d, on Gulp's Hill. The Regiment was raised in Wayne Co., 
Mich., and mustered into the U. S. Service, August 15, 1862. Mustered out at Detroit, 
June 30, 1865." 

North Face — Right. On Plinth — "Brigade Badge," raised and polished. 
On Die — Polished panel. 

The monument was made by the Ryegate Granite Co. of South Ryegate, Vermont, 
and cost $1,350. 

DEDICATION. 

Upon the completion of the monuments, Governor Luce invited 
representatives of the Michigan organizations engaged in the battle, 
to meet at Lansing on March 27, 1889, ^o arrange for their dedication. 
Hon. Robert E. Bolger, O. B. Curtis, Chaplain Wm. C. Way and 
Gurdon L. Wight attended on behalf of the Twenty-fourth Michigan. 
Governor Luce presided. Wednesday, June 12th, 1889, was selected 
for " Michigan Day at Gettysburg." The Governor appointed the 
following committees : 

Program — Generals L. S. Trowbridge, B. R. Pierce and S. S. Mathews. 
Floivers — O. B. Curtis, Wilbur Howard and Captain H. N. Moore. 
Transportation — General S. B. Daboll, Colonels E. C. Fox and F. E. Farnsworth. 
Legislation — General B. F. Partridge, O. B. Curtis and Robert E. Bolger. 

The legislature appropriated $8,000 for the dedication, $5,000 of 
which was to be devoted to the transportation of the Michigan 
survivors of the battle. The share of the Twenty-fourth Michigan 
was inadequate, and as it was Detroit's regiment whose enlistment 
redeemed the good name of the city in its darkest hour, it was 
resolved to ask the citizens to aid its regiment to revisit the field on 
which they had won an honored name for themselves and their city. 
The responses were generous and, with the sum received from the 
appropriation, sufficient to furnish free transportation to all the 




CAPTAIN WILLIAM R. DODSLEY. 





LIEUTENANT EVEIIARD B. WELTON. 



LIEUTENANT CHARLES H. CHOPE. 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG. 4II 

survivors of the regiment who fought there. The following 
contributed the fund: 

Hon. James McMillan, D. M. Ferry & Co., Hon. C. H. Buhl, Hon. James F. Joy, 
Captain W. G. Vinton. Lieutenant C. C. Yemans, M. S. Smith, F. Hecker, H. C. Parke, 
Wm. A. Butler, J. L. Hudson, Mabley & Co., Globe Tobacco Co., S. J. Murphy, Bagley 
& Co., Walter Buhl, S. D. Elwood, S. D. Miller, A. C. McGraw & Co., Allen Shelden, 
Hon. J. S. Farrand, Hon. Alanson Sheley, Hon. M. H. Chamberlain, Detroit Stove Co., 
Sidney B. Dixon, R. W. Gillett, Ralph Phelps, W. J. Chittenden, A. G. Lindsay, A. M. 
Steele, E. Chope, Phelps, Brace & Co., A. Chapaton, Boydell Bros., E. Ferguson, A. H. 
Day, Vail & Crane, Emory Wendell, F. G. Smith & Sons, John R. Fiske, R. H. Fyfe, 
A. Ives, Jr., R. & Bro., Wright, Kay & Co., O. W. Shipman and T. E McDonough. 

The following appointments were made by the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan for the Gettysburg excursion : 

Ccmmandcr- — Captain William R. Dodsley. 

Assistants — Lieutenants E. B. Welton and Chas. H. Chope. 

Quartfrinaster — Thomas A. Wadsworth. 

To Carry Regimental Flag — Charles D. Durfee. 

To Carry Iron Brigade Flag — Alexander H. Morrison. 

These flags had been carried, respectively, by these veterans, for 
a time during the war. The Iron Brigade Flag, the presentation of 
which to the Brigade is given in Chapter X, had been brought from 
Madison, Wis., and attracted much attention. 

Hurrying along the streets of Detroit, on Monday, June 10, 1889, 
with G. A. R. badges and blue suits, were several hundred survivors 
of the different Michigan regiments that had taken part in the 
Gettysburg battle, who had gathered for their departure to the 
dedication ceremonies. 

About six o'clock in the evening Arthur S. Congdon of Chelsea, 
the old bugler of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, blew a familiar call 
from his battered instrument, on the old Antisdel House steps on 
Michigan avenue, at which several score of veterans dressed on the 
flags in the street, under the command of Captain Wm. R. Dodsley. 
Detroit G. A. R. Post No. 384 was present, besides the six Detroit 
companies of State troops, headed by their regimental band, as 
escorting organizations to the cars. The column was joined by the 
cavalry contingent which sedately marched to the depot. It was the 
supper hour, and the tens of thousands were not present who lined 
the streets upon the departure of the Twenty-fourth for tiie war 
twenty-seven years before. 



412 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN 

The train consisted of six day coaches, five sleepers, one private 
sleeper and a baggage car, in which were a number of large packing 
boxes filled with Michigan fl6wers. Slowly the train moved around 
the city, taking on a ton of flowers at West Detroit, brought by the 
trains from the interior towns of the State. The trip, occupying two 
nights and one day, via Toledo and Wheeling, over the Baltimore and 
Ohio route, was of the usual interesting excursion kind. Badges were 
distributed^ — blue to the infantry, yellow to the cavalry and red to 
the artillery. The hills of West Virginia appeared like old 
acquaintances and reminded the men of many a hard march in, as 
well as on, the "sacred soil." 

By daybreak of June 12, the Michigan veterans and people had 
all arrived, about 1,000. An old war time rain storm had centered 
over the town and continued until midday, which destroyed the 
procession feature of the dedication. A large rink was secured, in 
which gathered about 2,000 people to listen to the following program 
of exercises : 

I. Music by the Band. 2. Prayer by Chaplain Wm. C. Way. 3. Loyal Song by 
Glee Club. 4. Address on " Michigan Troops in the Battle of Gettysburg," by General 
L. S. Trowbridge. 5. Song, " Michigan, my Michigan," by Glee Club. 6. Address 
and Presentation of Monuments to the Governor of Michigan, by Colonel George G. 
Briggs. 7. Response and Presentation of Monuments to the Battlefield Association, by 
Governor Cyrus G. Luce. S. Response by Hon. Edward McPherson of Gettysburg. 
9. "The Soldier's Dream," by the Band, 10. Song, " Blest be the Ground," by Glee 
Club. II. Memorial Address, by Michigan's War Governor, Hon. Austin Blair. 12. 
Hymn, America. 13. Benediction, by Rev. J. H. Potts. 

The speeches were able and full of patriotic expressions. General 
Trowbridge had creditable words for each of the Michigan regiments 
there engaged, and referred to the Twenty-fourth Michigan in the 
following terms : 

" When the First Corps came on the field on the morning of the ist, among the 
first to be thrust into the baptism of fire was the Twenty-fourth Michigan. Comparisons 
upon such an occasion as this are out of place, and yet it will not be improper to say 
that on no battlefield of the war was there greater heroism shown than by that regiment 
on that day. Confronted by vastly superior numbers, with most stubborn courage it 
maintained its ground until more than half its numbers lay dead or wounded on the 
bloody field. The loss was very great, but the emergency was great. Hours were most 
precious, and the check thus given to the enemy permitted the concentration of the Army 
of the Potomac and rendered possible the great victory of the third day." 

Announcements of reunions were made at the close, usually that 
the survivors would meet at their separate monuments in the afternoon, 
" rain or shine," where each was dedicated with appropriate exercises. 





O. B CUETIS. 

(Chairman Committee on Decoration. ) 



HON. ROBERT E. BOI.GER. 

(Chairman Committee on Legislation.) 





SERGEANT S. n. GREEN, (N. C. S.) 

(War Correspondent of Detroit Free Press.) 



SERGEANT ROBERT GIBBONS. 

(Of History Committee.) 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG. 415 

For a full account of all the proceedings, general and regimental, on 
this day, we refer our readers to the book of the events compiled by 
General Trowbridge called " Michigan at Gettysburg." 

The survivors of the Twenty-fourth Michigan assembled at four 
o'clock in front of the Eagle Hotel on the public square, about the 
same in number as rallied around their flag on Gulp's Hill the night 
of the first day's fight. They were formed under the command of 
Captain Wm. R. Dodsley and marched through the mud and rain to 
the rink. Captain Warren G. Vinton presided and Lieutenant C. C. 
Yemans offered a brief prayer in the absence of the Chaplain. Major 
Edwin B. Wight of Cleveland, Ohio, then delivered the Address of 
Dedication, at the close of which all united in singing the " Sweet 
Bye-and-Bye," in memory of our fallen comrades. The occasion was 
one of sorrow and meditation. The men were carried back to a 
terrible day in July, twenty-six years before, when the very ground 
where they were shook from artillery firing in the greatest battle of 
the age. 

The idea of decorating the graves with MicJiigan flowers 
originated with the writer of these pages, whom Governor Luce 
appointed Chairman of the Floral Committee. An appeal was made 
to the Michigan schools and a responsive chord was touched which 
brought flowers from every county except the far north woods where 
vegetation was not yet sufficiently advanced in the growth of nature's 
jewels. The flowers were conve3'ed free to the battlefield, where they 
arrived in good condition. For five hours the committee worked in 
the rain, arranging the flowers on the 173 Michigan graves, each of 
which was marked with a Union flag. The rain brought out 
beautifully the national colors and nature's tints on the green sward 
above the heroic sleepers, which was carpeted with brilliant Michigan 
flowers. 

The tender messages tied to the flowers proved that the bullet 
which destroyed a soldier's life sped on to some loving heart in the 
far away North. " Place this upon my grandpa's grave. I never saw 
him." "Put this upon my dear son's grave" — and so read the 
requests which were all carried out amid the prevailing rain storm, 
except one whose grave could not be found. The tribute was tossed 
over upon the "unknown" lot in hopes it might by chance fall upon 
the right grave. And so this sad duty was performed. 

Citizens from the village desired to see the Michigan flowers. 
"There they are," said the keeper of the cemetery, "and they are 
the finest lot of flowers ever brought here." 



4i6 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



The grave of old John Burns was also suitably decorated by 
comrades of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, as it was in the Iron Brigade 
that he did his fighting. At the evening camp fire at the rink, 
Rev. J. H. Potts delivered a most eloquent address in memory of the 
Gettysburg dead. 



VISITING COMRADES. 

The following survivors of the Twenty-fourth Michigan attended 
the Dedication of the Monuments at Gettysburg, June 12, 1889: 

Col. A. M. Edwards, James Mcllhenny, 

Major E. B. Wight, Charles D. Minckler, 

Capt. W. G. Vinton, William Smith, 

Morris Troutt, 

Jeston R. Warner. 



Capt, Charles A. Hoyt, 
Capt. J. M. Farland, 
Capt. Geo. W. Burchell, 
Capt. Wm. R. Dodsley, 
Chaplain Wm. C. Way, 
Lieut. E. B. Welton, 
Lieut. Albert Wilford, 
Lieut. Chas. C. Yemans, 
Lieut. Chas. H. Chope, 
Lieut. Augustus Pomeroy, 
(N.C. S.) A. S. Congdon, 
(N. C. S.) S. D. Green. 

Company A. 
Solomon S. Benster, 
Roderick Broughton, 
William C. Bates, 
John S. Coy, 
Alexis Declaire, 
George W. Dingman, 
Ignace Haltar, 
Charles Latour, 
George A. Moores, 
Barnard Parish, 
Alfred Rentz, 
Augustus R. Sink, 
Herman Stehfest, 
Thomas A. Wadsworth. 

Company B. 
Andrew J. Arnold, 
Henry R. Bird, 
Richard Connors, 
Christopher Gero, 
George H. Graves, 
James Hanmer, 



Company C. 
D. Leroy Adams, 
John W. Babbitt, 
Norman Collins, 
Chas. H. Cogswell, 
Watson W. Eldridge, 
James Gillespie, 
Charles H. Holbrook, 
Aiken Holloway, 
Asa Joy, 
Ambrose Roe, 
Willard Roe, 
Roswell L. Root, 
Charles W. Root, 
Ralph G. Terry, 
Robert Towers, 
Orson Westfall, 
Minot S. Weed. 

Company D. 
Amos Abbott, 
James V. Bartlett, 
Robert C. Bird, 
O. B. Curtis, 
Draugott Haberstrite, 
Almon J. Houston, 
James H. Johnson, 
William H. Jackson, 
Jacob Kaiser, 
Samuel R. Kingsley, Jr, 
Henry H. Ladd, 
Peter F. Lantz, 
Fernando W. Moon, 



George E. Moore, 
Robert Polk, 
John Renton, 
James Renton, 
Henry W. Randall. 

Company E. 
Moses Amo, 
Harvey Allen, 
Cornelius Crimmins, 
Charles D. Durfee, 
Isaac L. Greusel, 
James Laird, 
John W. Proctor, 
Garrett Rourke. 

Company F. 
Shelden E. Crittenden, 
Levi S. Freeman, 
Francis M. Rose, 
Frank T. Shier, 
William R. Shier, 
Mordaunt Williams. 

Company G. 
Michael Brabeau, 
John Cole, 
Sidney B. Dixon, 
Lewis W. James, 
Charles F. Langs, 
William H. Southworth, 
Joseph G. Thompson, 
David Valrance, 
William Young. 

Company H. 
Robert E. Bolger, 
Edward L. Farrell, 
William Ford, 
William H. Hoffman, 





CAPTAIN WARREN G. VINTON. 



MAJOR EDWIN H. WKJHT. 





CHAPLAIN WILLIAM C. WAY. 



LIEUTENANT CHARLES C. YEMANS 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG. 



419 



Charles M. Knapp, 
John Langdon, 
Alexander W. Morrison, 
Robert Morris, Jr., 
Joseph Schunk, 
Frederick Uebelhoer. 

Company I. 

Ralph Archibald, 
John Bryant, 

Total, 126 ; of whom 
latter, 46 were wounded there 



Albert E. Bigelow, 
Patrick Cleary, 
Charles A. Kinney, 
James Magooghan, 
Henry S. Stoddard. 

Company K. 

John R. Brown, 
B. Ross Finlayson, 

112 were present at the 
and 13 captured. 



Patrick Gaffney, 
Henry Hoisington, 
William M. Johnson, 
William Laura, 
Henry B. Millard, 
John A. Pattee, 
Samuel F. Smith, 
Thomas Saunders, 
Jacob M. Van Riper. 

battle of Gettysburg. Of the 



Morning brought fine weather, and the forenoon was happily spent 
in visiting points of interest on the battlefield. About 60 of the 
Twenty-fourth assembled at their monument, and were successfully 
photographed, in an 18 by 22 inch picture. The features of the 
comrades are plainly shown, as well as the monument, with the 
regimental and Iron Brigade flags ; also, a few of the identical trees on 
the first line of battle. It is a beautiful memento, as it shows faces 
that were there 26 years before, in the whirlwind of death. 

Many went to Gulp's Hill and viewed the line of breastworks 
built by the small remnant with the flag, the first night of the battle. 
There was a melancholy sadness as the men pointed out the places 
where they or their comrades fell and many of the latter died. None 
but the veterans themselves could appreciate the interest taken by 
them in their re-visit to this field of sorrow, an occasion they had 
never expected, but one which will soften the evening of their days as 
they pass, one by one, to the final camp of eternal rest. 

At 2:30 P. M., on June 13th, the veterans started on the homeward 
journey, though not in cattle cars as when they went to the front in 
war days. The return trip was by way of Harper's Ferry, where the 
train halted for two hours, affording a fine view of Maryland and 
Loudon Heights, and the scene of John Brown's raid 30 years before. 
The engine house in which he sought refuge and was captured by 
Robert E. Lee, has been mostly carried away by relic hunters. When 
night came the train was winding over the mountains, while incidents 
of the battlefield visit were topics for conversation among the veterans 
who arrived safely home at midnight of June 14th, each to carry 
through life a happy remembrance of his trip to Gettysburg. 



(30) 



420 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

ADDRESS OF MAJOR EDWIN B. WIGHT, 

At Gettysburg, June 12, 1889. 

Comrades and Countrymen: — It is one of the cardinal features of the Moslem 
faith that its devotees shall prayerfully face daily toward Mecca; but this further 
injunction is laid upon them that, "health and wealth permitting," every member 
of that great religious family shall, once at least during their lives, make a pilgrimage 
thither. No conveniences of travel mitigate the discomforts of the journey but, in 
the fashion of their ancestors, they plod on in the beaten caravan route, spending 
weeks or possibly months in their faithful efforts to reach the spot which they deem 
the holiest on earth. 

We are inclined to sneer at these pilgrims and to write them down fanatics ; 
but, surely it would not harm us sometimes to imitate the zeal with which this 
reverence of locality has inspired them. With something of their spirit, to-day we 
stand upon hallowed ground and now we see before us and around us the Mecca 
towards which our pilgrim feet have turned. 

Since the hour, more than twenty-five years ago, when our "tramp-tramp- 
tramp" was first heard among these hills, many of us have been virtually pilgrims 
and our way up and down the earth has been a winding one and strange. 

Some of us could not, if we would, have revisited these scenes during all these 
years — while other some, fanciful as it may seem, would not, if we could ; and so it 
has happened that not many of the five hundred whom we represent to-day have 
gazed upon these vales and ridges since the days when they gleamed in the 
July sun of 1863. 

And as we now fall in and, seeking to live over again our soldier experiences, 
begin to call the roll — how slowly and how sadly come back the responses and what 
long waits there are between the answering voices. Many, alas — how many, almost 
within eye-shot of where we now stand, passed over to the silent majority. For them 
can only come the softly spoken words and yet most glorious ones with which, for 
many years, answer was made when the name of the First Grenadier of France was 
called — "Dead on the field of honor." 

For others, we know that their final discharge came in the still watches of the 
night and that they were silently borne away from some hospital ward where they 
had long contended in their steadily losing fight with wounds or disease or both. Still 
others long time starved and then passed away from earth mid the confines of 
crowded and horrible Southern prisons while other some, bearing within them the 
seeds of disease contracted through long and exhaustive service or with the insidious 
poison of never healing wounds sapping the life current, have, in the more peaceful 
surroundings of their own firesides, shifted their camp across the river and are 
tenting on the higher plains beyond. 

The many are gone — the few, the small minority remain to answer "Present" 
as their names are read. Each passing year makes deeper inroads among the ranks 
of the survivors and soon — ah — too soon the last of the Old Guard will have "folded 
his tent and silently stolen away," leaving but a memory behind. What think you? 
Can it ever be such a memory that the "world will willingly let it die?" This 
Monument, so long as it shall stand, will give prompt answer to your query. 

Michigan, in a larger way, has had her day of dedication and has fittingly 
emphasized the fact that thirteen independent organizations of her own did valorous 
service for the country on this field. Her tablet inscription evidences to all how 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG. 421 

lovingly and how reverently she has performed the act of erecting these memorials 
"to her martyrs and heroes who fought in defence of Liberty and Union." 

And while we come to join in this general demonstration of affectionate 
remembrance of all the Michigan heroes, and martyrs, it is most natural that we 
should feel more closely drawn to the Comrades of the dear Old Twenty-fourth with 
whom we tented and marched and fought and with whom our lives were wondrously 
united for so many long months. And, in attempting to hold our own special 
services to-day, we do insist that we shall not be charged with the design of unduly 
seeking to parade our own deeds. 

We simply hold to-day, as we oft have held in the past, our Regimental 
Reunion. It matters not that we have changed our place of meeting. For the Old 
Flag is here. The "boys" are here Not perhaps the lively, singing, quick-stepping 
boys of '63 — but still the boys, with much of the old time spirit and all of the old time 
patriotic blood pulsing rapidly through their veins. 

We come, not as at first, from the single County of Wayne but from various 
parts of the State and even from other States — but, from wheresoever we come, we 
bring with us the deepest devotion to the Old Regiment, the One Flag and the One 
Country. And we should be less than human if there did not come to us, as we stand 
upon this spot and group ourselves about this Monument, a true feeling of pride that, 
as representatives of this most loyal State, we were permitted to fight this battle 
through from start to finish. Surely none dare blame us for this feeling. We only 
sought to do our duty and modestly we now claim our meed of praise. 

With rare compliment, you have asked me to speak to you at this Reunion 
and I confess that I am awkwardly embarassed for a theme. 

At former meetings, the Regimental History has been most fully rehearsed and 
personal incidents most delightfully told. It would seem that these topics were worn 
so threadbare that he would be rash indeed who ventured to make use of them here 
and now. And yet after all, the "nothing new under the sun" helps us to conclude 
that the old things may lose something of their staleness, if a little different posing of 
subject is given or some change of color is dashed in. 

When General Lee had put his army in motion for an extended invasion of the 
North, the Washington City Guard or rather the Army of the Potomac was started 
upon a similar mission. Without serious mishap, though there were man)^ sharp 
collisions between the Cavalry forces of the two armies, the Potomac River was 
crossed and the "sacred soil of Virginia" was soon exchanged for the less trodden 
one of " Maryland, My Maryland." 

General Hooker had brought the Union Army from its old camping-ground 
along the Rappahannock, moving it with consummate skill even into Pennsylvania 
until it seemed as if, at any hour, the two great rival forces would meet in deadly 
combat and then — just then, the old drama must be re-enacted and the Potomac Army 
must have a new Commander. 

What a patient, long-suffering, hard-marching and harder fighting Army that 
was. Composed of some of the very best combative material in the whole country, 
it often saw its sturdiest efforts to win victory completely balked by the inscrutable 
jealousies of its higher officers, by the indecision of its then commander or by the 
machinations of meddling politicians. There was no lack of proper stuff from which 
to make Division, Corps and Army Commanders — that was shown over and over 
again— but, in the early years of the war, no officer dared to be too successful. 

What a wearying burden the martyred Lincoln carried upon his brain and 
heart. View the picture of his surroundings as you read the story of that life, so full 



422 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

of devotion to the single thought of preserving the Union of the States, and wonder 
not at the careworn brow and at the aching heart. Think of his days of toil and 
suffering and suspense — think of his restless, sleepless nights and all this intensified 
by the harassing thought that those who should have been staunch supporters and 
hearty co-operators in his patriotic labor were often proven to be spies in the camp 
and thwarters of his every move. 

Thank God — all were not such. Many were of a nobler mould and gave him 
their best thought and word and deed — yea, life itself, if that were needed. Foremost 
among these noble ones, we are proud to place our old Corps Commander, 
John F. Reynolds. 

Perhaps few knew him intimately, for he was a strangely reticent man and it 
may be that the fate of other officers, his equals in rank, taught him more and more 
the wisdom of guarded speech. But the quiet demeanor could not wholly mask the 
ardent spirit. His opponents recognized his ability and his soldiers knew that he 
held in reserve a latent force of clear and cool-headedness that could always be relied 
upon. They trusted him implicitly. And when the news reached the ist Corps that 
General Hooker had been relieved, it was not strange that many of us jumped to the 
conclusion that our Reynolds would be selected to lead the whole army in the contest 
that so soon was to occur upon the soil of his native State. 

We should have considered that his promotion was only a fitting tribute to his 
worth and that his military success was certain, if the opposition to his plans came 
only from Lee and his Lieutenants. And yet all the while we felt that we wanted him 
with us and as our special leader rather than have him gain the higher office, for 
which he was so pre-eminently qualified. If thus we wished, our wish was granted. 

General Meade was placed in command of the Union Army but three days 
before the contending forces met. Brief space indeed to familiarize himself with the 
task imposed upon him ; a task, from which a less cautious and a more brilliant 
soldier might well have shrunk. But he found worthy coadjutors. Reynolds was 
continued in charge of the Left Wing of the Army (consisting of the ist, 3rd and nth 
Corps) and much, very much was left to his discretion. 

No one seemed to know just where or when the blow would fall. Only this 
was definitely known that Lee had checked his Northward advance and was either at 
a standstill or else, holding his forces well in hand, was concentrating towards 
Gettysburg or towards some point in that vicinity. The Union troops were feeling- 
their way along at a snail's pace, covering much ground of necessity with their trains 
and artillery and yet all within reasonable supporting distance, wh6n all the 
circumstances of the case are considered. 

General Meade had conceived the idea of taking up a defensive position on 
Pipe Creek. He had examined the locality, had recognized its natural advantages 
and had hoped and perhaps planned that the expected battle should there occur. 
This might have been well enough, if he could have been positive that Lee would 
surely attack him there. 

This Lee might possibly have done, for he is reported to have said that "he 
was weary of all this marching, campaigning and bloodshed and was strongly 
desirous of settling the whole matter at once." Besides, the Army of Virginia was in 
the best possible condition. Officers and men were elated with their triumph at 
Chancellorsville ; they had carried the war into the enemy's country ; they had easily 
brushed the Militia from their path ; they had enjoyed rare foraging and feasting in 
Pennsylvania and, evidently, were ready and anxious for a fight anywhere and. 
everywhere. 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG. 423 

As opposed to any defensive warfare, read what General Doubleday, in his 
book on Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, says on page 122. 

"Reynolds had the true spirit of a soldier. He was a Pennsylvanian and, 
inflamed at seeing the devastation of his native State, was most desirous of getting at 
the enemy as soon as possible. He told me at Poolesville that it was necessary to 
attack the enemy at once to prevent his plundering the whole State. As he had great 
confidence in his men, it was not difficult to divine what his decision would be. 
He determined to advance and hold Gettysburg. He directed the Eleventh Corps to 
come up as a support to the First and he recommended, but did not order, the Third 
Corps to do the same." 

Providence seemed to have inspired the plan of Reynolds. 

The light of the first July sun of 1863 is just penciling a tinge of brightness 
amid the leafy shadows of Marsh Creek and, as here and there, its rays penetrate 
deeper and deeper and light up the misty forest gloom, stalwart forms are seen to 
spring lightly from their sylvan couches and to step quickly out into the warm 
sunlight and to drink in the tonic air of the wooded hillside. Out upon the vibrant 
air sound the bugle notes of Reveille and soon all the peaceful quiet of the scene 
is changed. 

The early day routine goes on and then brief space of anxious waiting ; for all 
are expectant, restless. Marching orders come, and ere half the distance to 
Gettysburg is compassed, fighting orders are inferred as the boom of the cannon and 
the crack of the carbine announce that Buford has engaged the enemy and our 
Division, as the nearest at hand, is needed at the front. 

No loitering now. The ordinary march step is quickened and then this is 
doubled, till the "black-hatted fellows" are seen and heard from as they envelop 
and complacently invite to the rear a goodly portion of Archer's Brigade. This is the 
first success of the day. The few, swift minutes of fighting resulted however, not 
only in considerable Regimental loss, but they had been sufficient to deprive us of our 
Chief. Yet even then the messenger of death was merciful, for the bullet instantly did 
its fatal work. Verily, the "architect of the battle had fallen dead across its portal." 

It is useless to speculate as to what would or would not have been done, July 
1st, had Reynolds' life been spared. The odds against us were too great to have 
made it possible to do more than offer stubborn resistance to the enemy's attacks. 
No officer in the army would have fought the few troops then in hand with more 
tactical skill and judgment than Reynolds would have done and with less hazard and 
consequent loss. 

He believed in his soldiers and they as thoroughly believed in him ; he knew 
that they could be depended on to fight and to fight well wherever he would lead 
them ; he considered Gettysburg a fitting battle ground and there he fought and there 
he fell. The First Corps owes much of its success to his forming hand and to his 
wise, keen brain and every member of it, reverences his memory with undying 
affection. 

After Reynolds' death, there comes a brief lull in the combat. Thus far, the 
First Division of the First Corps and Buford's Cavalry have been the only Union 
troops engaged and the two remaining Divisions of the Corps did not arrive upon the 
field till II A. M. An half hour later, General Howard makes his presence known and 
assumes command. His Eleventh Corps does not appear till about i i'. m. And now 
the conflict is renewed, with even more vigor and deadliness than before. 

But who can depict all the happenings of this day? Who can venture to say 
that his description will prove satisfying to his comrades or even to himself? For 



424 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

after all, how small a portion of a battle-field, its topography or its incidents come 
within the actual knowledge of a line officer and shape themselves into tangible form 
before his eyes. 

Recall, if you can, any engagement of the war and positively state, of your own 
knowledge, that you passed through some particular field (a wheat field, for instance) 
when you were ordered forward to charge the enemy's position. You did pass 
through the open ; so much you remember, but the nature of the field you never once 
considered. You took possession of a strip of woodland, as a bit of shelter from the 
skurrying shot, but the character of the fruit or forest trees did not impress itself 
upon your memory. Some hill or ridge was near; you occupied it as a natural 
vantage-ground for present or later conflict — but how it sloped or what were its 
surroundings, you had no time to note. You charged the enemy or were charged by 
them ; but just how you advanced or how you met the onset, you were too busy then 
to enter in your mental memorandum book. 

Subsequently, some military or civilian report mentioned a wheat field, a peach 
orchard, an Oak Hill or a Seminary Ridge and thenceforth you adopted the names in 
your attempted description of the battle. But while the battle raged, your horizon 
range was limited. The lines of your Regiment or possibly of your Brigade covered 
all the field that your vision seemed able to compass and accurately note. And even 
then, in the excitement of the struggle, many little incidents occured in your 
immediate vicinity of which you were not cognizant. 

Volumes have been written, with The Battle of Gettysburg as sole and only 
topic, but the whole story has not been told. Much of the planning and more of the 
doing has been omitted. The living may have given their version of what they did 
and of what they witnessed there — but, oh — if the dead lips could be unsealed, what 
truer and larger testimony might be spread upon the pages of history. 

Then we should learn, in fullest measure, how the brave 9,000 First Corps men 
fought on open plain and on unfortified ridge and hillside, "with no other protection 
than the flannel blouses that covered their stout hearts ;" holding their own, for two 
long hours, against nearly twice their number and then were slowly and steadily 
forced back, contesting however every inch of backward move so bloodily that 
welcome night cried "Halt," before the victorious larger force concluded that they 
might have accomplished even more, had they but resolutely pressed on. 

The great loss inflicted upon our opponents and the fear that still greater loss 
might ensue, if farther advance was made, begot a caution that proved the salvation 
of the few remaining Union heroes on that eventful afternoon. 

Defeated, but not disheartened, the shadowy remnant of the Old First Corps 
gather on Cemetery Hill and darkness draws its sheltering curtain about them and 
grants them needed rest. Rest came indeed to weary limbs, but hearts were 
overborne with sorrow and sadness banished sleep. For, of the 9,000 that went into 
action that day, two-thirds were among the killed, wounded and missing and, of the 
missing, a very large proportion were either killed or wounded. And three-fourths of 
those who answered to the Twenty-fourth's Regimental roll-call in the morning at 
Marsh Creek were not present at nightfall. 

Listen to the inscription cut so enduringly on yonder shaft : — "Went into action 
with 496 officers and men. Killed and mortally wounded 8g. Otherwise wounded 
218. Captured 56. Total casualties 363. Five color bearers killed and all the color 
guard killed or wounded." What a record of heroism. What a record of loss. 

Colonel Fox, in his compilation of Regimental Losses in the Civil War, page 
390 says — "The largest number of casualties in any regiment at Gettysburg occurred 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG. 425 

in the Twenty-fourth Michigan. It was then in the Iron Brigade, Wadsworth's (ist) 
Division, First Corps and fought in the battle of the first day, while in position in 
McPherson's Woods near Willoughby Run. It was obliged to fall back from this line, 
but did not yield the ground until three-fourths of its number had been strucly down." 
I would add that Colonel Fox insists that the number of killed and mortally 
wounded at Gettysburg was 94 and not 89, as given on the monumental tablet ; and 
he claims to have verified all his figures by a personal and thorough examination of 
State as well as Government Records. Whichever should eventually prove to be the 
correct number, this fact will always remain that the casulties that day were simply 
frightful ; the total of killed and mortally wounded being nineteen per cent, while 
that of killed, wounded and missing reached the staggering figures of eighty per cent, 
of the whole number engaged. 

We do stand to-day upon ground which we helped to make historic. Within 
the scope of our vision occurred the greatest battle of the war. Greatest, not in the 
number of troops upon the battle-field, for, in the Seven Days' battle, Lee's Army of 
Virginia was about 100,000 strong, while at the Wilderness, General Grant had about 
125,000 men. But greatest, in that here the loss of life exceeded that of any other 
field of combat and that here the Confederate Cause found its Waterloo and 
henceforward it became more and more a " Lost Cause." 

We would not depreciate the valor of the Southern Soldiery, for that would 
make of but little worth the courage we ascribe to our own. They were "foemen, in 
every way, worthy of our steel ; " boasting the same lineage and proud to be called 
Americans. When we fought them, we styled them traitors and we fought them to 
the death. To-day, we heap no harsh epithets upon them ; for the war is over and 
we know but One Country and all the inhabitants thereof are countrymen. And we 
claim that we shall be none the less loyal to the cause for which we fought, if now we 
show to all our former foes that we cherish "malice towards none" and only the 
largest "charity for all." 

To friend and foe alike, this whole field is sacred. The baptism of fire and of 
blood is upon it. It was dedicated in smoke of cannon and riflie which rose like 
incense during three long Summer days and it needs no word nor stroke of pen to 
reiterate the consecration then given to it. 

Yet, since that date, eloquent lips have inspiringly told the story of the mighty 
struggle that these hills and valleys witnessed. State after State has commemorated 
with shaft and column the deeds of their noble citizen soldiers and thus have marked 
for all time one of the localities where these brave men so grandly exhibited 
their loyalty. 

As a Regiment and then, as individuals, we would tender to " Michigan, My 
Michigan" our grateful acknowledgments for the graceful and appropriate monument 
that crowns this knoll and we would heartily thank all who, by vote or voice, helped 
to place it here. 

With the countless other ones that range along these slopes and ridges, this 
shall prove a marker that shall worthily show where the strong tide of battle ebbed 
and flowed. Thousands will visit this spot and, recalling the names of some who 
fought and of some who fell upon this field, will rejoice that the Peninsula State has 
here so handsomely remembered her gallant soldiers. These State days and these 
Regimental days that specially dedicate these Memorial Shafts in honor of the Union 
Soldier seem but a fitting sequel to that earlier service of consecration in November 
1863, when our great War President uttered in yonder Cemetery the words that thrill 
us even now with their strange pathos : 



426 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent a 
new Nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are 
created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, 
or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. 

We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a 
portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that 
that Nation might live. 

It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger 
sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The 
brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our 
power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say 
here ; but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather, to 
be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so 
nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining 
before us: that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for 
which they gave the last full measure of devotion ; that we here highly resolve that 
these dead shall not have died in vain ; that this Nation, under God, shall have a new 
birth of freedom ; and that government of the people, by the people and for the people 
shall not perish from the earth. 

A quarter of a century ago these words were spoken and the task that weighed 
upon this noble heart had not been finished. With "these honored dead," of whom 
he so touchingly speaks, he dedicated and devoted his life to this unfinished work. 
His words come to us to-day with peculiar meaning and they commend themselves to 
our most earnest thought. 

For perhaps we increasingly need to learn what patriotism really signifies and 
what a wealth of meaning is infolded in that lofty, loyal spirit which places love of 
country and devotion to that country's best interests far above and beyond all petty 
sectional feeling and party success. Gleaning then an object lesson on this patriotic 
field, our presence here shall be productive of unquestioned good. 

It may be that I should apologize because I have made no personal mention of 
any member of the regiment and have avoided all allusions to any incidental 
happenings on the march or in the field. If, in this omission, I have disappointed 
any — I can now only express my sincere regret and humbly beg to be forgiven. 

At Gettysburg, every one did full soldierly duty and filled the niche he was 
called upon to occupy. Ofl5cer and man, rank and file, all were in the places assigned 
them and all were equally brave an4 deserving of the highest praise. 

We grasp the hand of the living and try to show them how glad we are that an 
over-ruling Providence protected them and spared their lives, not only through the 
terrible storm of shot and shell that fell about them on that first July day, but for so 
many years thereafter and has brought them safely onward to this present and has 
granted them the possession of so many earthly enjoyments. 

We would pay fitting homage to the silent ones who peacefully sleep on yonder 
hill or in the quiet God's Acres in our own State and would garland their resting place 
with amaranthine flowers. Their memory we shall ever cherish as a priceless 
treasure. Many of the heads I see before me are tinged with gray ; the upright forms 
of long ago are bending over towards Mother Earth ; the old time lope has given 
way to the slow and measured pace and the eyes are losing much of their pristine 
brightness. 

These facts touch us solemnly as we reflect that this may be, for some of us, 
our last Reunion. Since we have met and have traversed these hills and valleys 
together, there has come to us a sense of sadness and disappointment. For we find 
not here all that we sought or hoped to see. 

How changed is all the landscape. And, as with all the goodly things around 
us, so with us time has wrought most startling changes. Nature here has covered 



MICHIGAN DAY AT GETTYSBURG. 



427 



with her mantle of green or has hidden with great growths of shrub or forest the spots 
which we thought that we could easily recognize. And as we gaze about us, we 
stand amazed at the outlook ; for the scars of conflict are all concealed, if not 
wholly blotted out. 

Is it not, my friends, one of God's loving ways of teaching us that he is 
constantly seeking to overlay our heart-sorrows with greater and more lasting 
heart-joys ? 

The battle here, with all the woe and pain and death it brought to many an 
individual soldier, resulted in a glorious fruitage. For the laurel of Victory was the 
precursor of the olive branch of Peace. An entire Nation, united and prosperous, 
now rejoices in the blessings that were made possible, in God's good time, by the 
bloody field of Gettysburg. 




CHAPTER XXII. 



Confederate Prisons. 



aLADLY would we forego the recital of the revolting details of 
this chapter. To do so would be an untruthful abridgement 
of history. Thirty-nine soldiers of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan died of starvation, and disease resulting therefrom, 
in Confederate prisons, and nine more of the Regiment died while 
coming home, after their release from those prison pens, not to 
mention the untimely graves and shattered healths of 85 others of this 
one regiment who were confined in them. Confederate prisons form 
the darkest chapter in the blood-stained annals of this nation, and 
conclusively prove that a people of a section guilty of such barbarities 
to those within their power were totally unworthy of, and unfit for, 
separate nationality. 

Savages of the forest and cannibals of the sea isles never exhibited 
greater cruelties to captives than the Confederates did to their prisoners 
of war. From public records on both sides, from personal narratives 
of our regimental comrades still living in this city, and from a visit of 
the author to Andersonville in 1869, has he been able to collate the 
awful facts of this chapter. We offer no apology for this narration. 
The pen must convey thoughts which the tongue will hesitate to 
utter. By-gones may be by-gones with sentimentalists whose feelings 
go out to the authors, but never to the victims of crime. But zve can 
never forget and zvill never forgive those in the South guilty of the 
barbarisms practiced upon our unfortunate comrades whom the 
chances of war placed under their control. As martyr fires emblazon 
the deeds of fanaticism and bigotry, and burnings at the stake lighten 
up the forest darkness among savages, so the records of Southern 
prison pens disclose the enormities of slavery's influence, which read 
like pages from the history of hell ! 

The captive insurgents were well fed, comfortably housed, and as 
generously treated as if they had been hospital patients of the Union 
army. Not one of them ever died of starvation ; not one ever suffered 

(428) 



CONKl-.DKKATI-: I'KISONS. 



429 



)il' , If If I 




430 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

for want of food, clothing or medical attention. Whatever mortality 
prevailed among them was from natural causes, greatly from small-pox, 
the result of their own failure to vaccinate. Not so in the South with 
the Union captives, where they had, for the most part, no shelter 
from storms, cold or sun heat other than dug-outs in the ground, with 
but inadequate and the foulest food and water; and this, too, in sight 
of standing forests, the purest water, and an abundance of food, which 
were denied them. 

The scope of our work forbids a full treatment of this subject and 
descriptions of those infernal prisons. Libby prison was a large 
warehouse in Richmond, owned by Mr. Libby, a Unionist, whose 
property was seized for prison uses. It was three stories high, besides 
a basement. It contained six rooms, 40 by 100 feet each, in which 
were confined 1,500 Union officers and men, with no conveniences to 
cook, eat, wash their clothes, and bath, or even sleep except upon the 
bare floor. There was no fire, and the windows being broken, the cold 
wind blew through the building. Under penalty of being shot by 
the guard, no one was allowed to go within three feet of the windows. 
The brutal guards were given a furlough for each Union prisoner thus 
killed. 

Yet the prisoners in Libby fared better than those on Belle Isle, as 
they were under a roof. Those on the island were without shelter for 
the most part. This island consisted of about eight acres in the 
James River, in front of Richmond. A portion of it was a beautiful, 
grassy bluff, shaded with trees. About five acres were low, treeless, 
and sand-barren, where the prisoners were confined and never allowed 
to seek the shelter of the grove a few rods off. Here 11,000 Union 
prisoners were held, with shelter for a few only. 

When the Union captives were taken they were searched and 
stripped of all valuables, blankets, overcoats and often even their 
shoes. In winter the prisoners had to bundle together like hogs to 
keep warm. In sleeping on the ground they took turns who should be 
the outside men, and in the severe wintry mornings this row was 
marked by stiffened forms, frozen to dcatJi, within sight of the 
Confederate capitol and the residence of Jefferson Davis ! 

The Union prisoners were slowly starved by a diminution of food, 
and thus cold and hunger were like two vultures gnawing at their 
vitals. While women of the North were permitted to visit the 
Confederate captives and alleviate their sick and wounded in prison 
and in hospital, we have yet to learn that a single Southern woman 
ever visited a Confederate prison where Union soldiers were confined. 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 



431 




432 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

except once, when the wife of the Confederate Secretary of War 
visited Libby and declared if she could have her way she would hang 
them all ! This she-devil feeling, we are glad to note, was not shared 
by all the women of the South. For, in its later periods, as the Union 
prisoners were taken from place to place to evade recapture, some of 
the Southern people were horrified at their awful appearance, and 
moved to commiseration. The Confederate authorities refused to 
allow alleviation to be extended to the Union prisoners. 

The cruelties practiced in Libby and at Belle Isle were not so 
revolting as those in more southern pens. As the war was prolonged 
and Union prisoners accumulated, and the chances of recapture about 
Richmond became greater, more Southern dens were constructed, and 
the accumulations in Libby and Belle Isle were forwarded thence. 
The number of Union prisoners about Richmond became greater 
when, late in 1862, the exchange of prisoners was stopped by Jefferson 
Davis, who refused to recognize the captured colored soldiers as 
prisoners of war. Our Government could do no less than protect 
these allies of the Northern white soldiery, and so the exchange 
ceased. It was revived later, but the South would only send forward 
for exchange the emaciated forms of dying captives and such as were 
unfit for field duty again, purposely starved that they might be thus 
useless, while the Southern soldiers exchanged left the Northern 
prisons in full health, and at once re-entered the Southern army. 

Below is the diary of Henry H. Ladd, of the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan, still living in Detroit, who was captured on the Weldon 
Road. It is a sample of such wonderful records that have survived 
those awful prison months. 



DIARY OF HENRY H. LADD. 

Friday, Aug. iq, 1864. — I am a prisoner ; marched to Petersburg, and lodged in 
gaol. 20th. — Start for Richmond. Escorted to a tobacco warehouse near Libby 
Prison. 

Sunday, Aug. 21. — Feel rather rough after sleeping on the hard floor with wet 
clothes on. Move into Libby Prison. All are searched for the third time. March to 
Belle Isle. 22d. — Slept on the ground without a rag under or over me. No tents on 
the island. Had one meal to-day, half a cup of bean soup and corn bread. Rained all 
the afternoon and night. No tents nor blankets. 23d. — A cool morning. Spend my 
time reading my testament. Had two meals. Lay on ground. 24th. — A hot day. 
Don't feel well. 25th. — Up and ready for my corndodger. Wish I was home to have 
a good meal. There are 4,500 prisoners on about two and one-half acres here. 
Bought a loaf of bread for $1.50. 26th.— Lay on the wet ground. Paid twelve 
shillings for a piece of bread for breakfast. Got no rations till night. Shall attend 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 433 

prayer-meeting to-night. 27th. — Rained last night. No breakfast. One of our boys 
was shot last night by the guard. Bought two loaves of bread for two dollars. 

Sunday, Aug. 28. — Dreamed of home last night. How I wish it was so. I 
would attend church in old Dearborn. Had a cup of bean soup and a one-quarter pound 
corn-dodger to-day. 29th. — Rained last night. Cool this morning. Have all been 
counted. Two thousand more prisoners arrived to-day. 30th. — Had a cup of coffee 
made from grounds. Buy three small biscuits for a dollar. Wish I could hear from 
home. 31st. — Cold last night. Bought three loaves of bread for two dollars. Sept. 
1st. — Our Government refuses to parole us. The men think it hard. 3d. — Did not 
sleep half an hour all night. 

Sunday, Sept. 4. — Rained last night. All were counted to day. No grub. 
Paid fifty-cents for some bread. Have spent my last shilling. Sold my wallet for 
three loves of bread. Had prayer meeting to-night. 5th. — Heard good news by the 
rebel papers that Atlanta is ours. Have a loaf left for breakfast. Rained in the night. 
6th. — All counted again. Sold my canteen for two loaves of bread. Rained again at 
night. 7th. — No grub. If 1 was on the Island of Juan Fernandez, I could have 
something to eat, but alas. Belle Isle is barren. 8th. — Nearly froze last night. Am 
hungry but nothing to eat. qth. — Sold my knife for six loaves of bread. loth. — The 
day closes with a row and calls for tents. 

Sunday, Sept. 11. — Got half a loaf for this day's ration. Have an old bag for 
a bed. 12th. — Did not sleep any last night on account of cold. Nothing to eat. Not 
well enough to go to prayer meeting. 13th. — Sold my haversack for two loaves and 
ate them for breakfast. Had a good prayer meeting with a large attendance. 14th. — 
Dreamed of home. Hear heavy cannonading. All called out. 15th. — Sick with 
fever. Sold my ring for a loaf of bread. i6th. — Fever all night. Wrote home. 
17th. — Ration of bread for breakfast. 

Sunday, Sept. 18. — Headache and fever all night. 22d. — Rained through the 
night. Have a bad cold. 23d — A wet day. 24th. — Have a tip-top appetite but 
nothing to eat. 

Sunday, Sept. 25. — How hard to be a prisoner. Wish I was home to dinner. 
26th. — Slept cold last night. Out to be counted to-day. 27th. — Nothing to eat till 
noon. Hear of Early's defeat in the Valley. 29th. — Two of our boys retaken who 
attempted to escape. Did not get any grub till 3 o'clock; nearly famished. 30th. — 
Over 650 prisoners came from Libby. Oct. ist. — Nothing to eat till noon. Very 
hungry and cold. Rained all day. 

Sunday, Oct. 2. — Slept hard last night ; head aches. Am getting thin and poor. 
Another man shot by the guard last night. 3d. — Some tents came to-day. 4th. — This 
is a hard life to live and starve, but hope for better days, i.ooo men went south to 
North Carolina to-day from Belle Island. 5th. — About 950 men left for Southern 
prisons to-day. 6th. — Left Belle Island to-day and reached Danville at 5 P. M. Sixty 
men in one cattle car. Such a crowd and such a time! Sell my ink bottle for bread. 
Good-bye Belle Isle, may I never see it again. Have ate all my bread. Still hungry. 
7th. — No rations. Sell my eye-glass for two apples. 8th. — Slept in the open field. 
Arrived at Salisbury, North Carolina. No rations. Staid all night out in an open 
field. Have not slept for four nights. 

Sunday, Oct. 9. — We are in an inclosure of twelve acres. Got two meals to-day. 
Am shivering with cold. loth. — Got half a loaf of bread for to-day's ration. Am 
getting very thin in body. nth. — Two men died last night from exposure. 12th. — 
Wish I could hear from home, or get a letter to my friends. 13th. — Got some soup 
and five hard tack to-day. Flour is $225 a barrel, Confederate money. Pies and 



434 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

cakes three dollars each. 14th. — Had a cup of crust coffee and half a cake for 
breakfast. Hope God in his Providence will deliver us from here. Half a dozen die 
daily from starvation. 15th. — Drew some bread and molasses to eat to-day. 

Sunday, Oct. 16. — Wish I was at home to go to church at Dearborn. Home, 
sweet home — will I ever see you again? Shall keep up good cheer and trust in 
Providence. One of our officers was shot to-day while hanging his clothes on a tree. 
17th. — Sold some buttons and bought half a corn dodger. i8th. — How hard to be here 
starving and suffering cold when one has a home with plenty. Could I only have the 
crumbs of my own table I would not complain, igth. — The officers leave to-day for another 
prison. 20th. — No news yet from home. Eighty a week are dying here. Boys 
digging and making earth shanties. The hospital is overflowing. Diarrhea and 
black fever prevail, caused by starvation. 21st. — Grub came at 9 A. m. Have a 
severe headache. 22nd. — No tents or barracks and many must perish. Think of my 
dear old home daily. 

Sunday, Oct. 23. — Up and ready for my halfloaf. It can't be colder in Michigan. 
24th. — Got a cup of flour and molasses to eat to-day. Got one tent for 100 men to-day. 
25th. — Sold my hat band for a loaf of bread. Two loads of dead went out. They 
bury our men without coffins or straw. 26th. — Noon and no rations. Discouraged. 
Ten died last night. Oh, will our government leave us here to perish. 27th. — Cloudy 
and rainy. How our men suffer. Will get no provisions till to-morrow. Will not the 
Almighty punish men for such treatment of prisoners? 28th. — Twenty-two died last 
night. No rations to-day. Starvation stares us all in the face. 29th. — No food for 36 
hours. Will get no bread to-day. Almost famished. The men are about to raise a 
mob and break out. Twelve died this morning and others dying every hour. 

Sunday, Oct. 30. — Sixty hours and only one quart of rice and two small pieces 
of meat to eat. Twenty died this morning. Hear we are to be paroled. God grant 
it. 31st. — Got half a loaf of bread to-day. Eighteen dead hauled out to-day. Nov. i. 

Sold my hat for a loaf of bread and $500 Confederate money. 2d. — No rations till 

dark and then drew flour. Rains and cannot cook it. 3d. — Cloudy and awful cold. 
Thirty died last night. Drew half a pint of flour to day. 5th. — A few of our men are 
enlisting in the Confederate army hoping to escape death here. The men are forced 
to it by starvation. Language nor pen can describe the suffering we undergo. Men 
die every hour. 

Sunday, Nov. 6. — Drew meal and tripe for rations. 7th. — How I wish I was 
back to my old Wayne county home. God has kept me thus far, and I will rely on his 
mercy. Six hundred came from Richmond last night. 8th. — No rations to-day. 
gth. — Trade pantaloons and get half a loaf of bread to boot. Traded boots and gave 
half a loaf of bread worth five dollars. loth. — Rainy. Slept only half the night, 
nth. — Saw a piece in the Raleigh Standard OnzX the Governor of Georgia favors peace. 

Sunday, Nov. 13. — What a cheerless Sabbath; about eighteen die daily. 14th. — 
Hear that Lincoln is elected. Bourassas of Company F, Twenty-fourth Michigan, is 
dead. i6th. — Half a loaf of corn bread for this day. 17th. — Hear that letters will go 
North. Must write to my friends. iSth. — Corn bread for ration. 19th. — Lay abed 
all day to keep warm. Cold and Stormy. Got half a loaf of poor corn bread. Men 
are dying like sheep with the rot. 

Sunday, Nov. 20. — It still rains. Cold and muddy. In bed to keep warm. 
Got half a loaf of sour corn bread. 21st.— Rained all night and all day. Mud knee 
deep. 22d. — Awful cold day, one freezes to stir out long enough to draw rations. 
Willaird, of Company A, Twenty-fourth Michigan, died last night. 23d.— Too cold 
to take off our clothes to skirmish for "greybacks." 24th.— Thanksgiving Day at 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 



435 



home. We only get a quarter loaf of bread. Hardly enough to live on. Forty die 
daily. 25th. — I write with a sad heart. Only got four ounces of bread to-day. Suffering 
with cold. Nearly naked. Covered with lice. Oh, what a fate ! Must we die? Will not 
God deliver us from this hell? 26th. — Yesterday the mob secured the guard and rallied 
to get out. We lost in killed and wounded about ninety. 




prisoners' riot for food at SALISBURY PRISON, NORTH CAROLINA. 



.Sunday, Nov. 27. — Drew half a loaf. One hundred colored soldiers came in 
to-day. 28th. — Got two ounces of meat. There is plenty of bread in the cook house 
but C. S. A. would rather have us starve fifty a day. 30th. — Saw a man drop dead front 
starvation. Dec. 5th. — No hope of parole. Half a loaf and a potato for to-day's 
ration. 8th. — Chapman, of Company K, Twenty-fourth Michigan died this morning, 
loth. — Seventy-five men have died since yesterday. 

Sunday, Dec. 11. — Men still dying over fifty a day. Hear that Sherman is 
twenty-five miles of Savannah. Hope something will turn up. 13th. — Slept none last 
night it was so cold. 15th. — On quarter rations. Hear we are to go to South 
Carolina. Hope we will get out of this accursed place. Shall I ever see home again? 
17th. — Bought an onion for a dollar.* 

Sunday, Dec. 18. — Had a good cup of soup made from a bone. 20th. — In bed 
all day. Rain at night run in on our bed. 21st. — Cold and muddy. Still stick to 
our beds to keep from freezing. Got only half a loaf of bran bread to-day. Disease 
and death doing their work as usual. 22d. — Drew bread and molasses. 23d. — Nearly 
frozen. No fire. Only a piece of raw corn bread to eat. How long must we suffer so? 



*'rhe prisoners dickered and traded around among themselves for the money which the new 
captives brought to the prison. 
(31) 



436 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Sunday, Dec. 25. — Had a loaf of bread and rice soup for Christmas dinner. 
26th. — The Catholic prisoners, about 200, left for a new camp. 28th. — Clark W. 
Butler, of Company H, Twenty-fourth Michignn, died today. 30th. — Half a loaf 
only. Getting discouraged. Men still dying like sheep. No relief. Our government 
has forsaken us ! God forgive, but we never can. 

Sunday, Jan. i, 1865. — Sergeant Nardin of Company I, Twenty-fourth Michigan, 
died last night. 2d. — Living in bed to keep warm. Oh, how dreary is such a life. 
Will we ever get out of this place? 3d. — Drew salt meat and bread. 4th. — The men 
still sicken and die. 5th. — In bed to keep warm. Will it ever be my lot to see home 
again? 6th. — Rainy and mud knee deep. 

Sunday, Jan. 8. — Too cold to look over my clothing for lice. Got half a loaf. 
Burnett of Company H, Twenty-fourth Michigan, is dead. 9th. — Sitting in bed all 
day shivering with the cold. loth. — Rained all night, mud too deep to stir outside. 
John A. Sherwood of Company C, Twenty-fourth Michigan, has also died here. nth. 
— Only some molasses to eat to-day. 12th. — Got half a loaf. 13th. — Hunted lice on my 
shirt all day. Oh, %vhat a life ! 14th. — No rations in camp; 100 of us go out to work 
on R. R. Got half a loaf for our day's work. 20th. — Bee7i in bed six days to keep warm. 

Sunday, Jan. 22. — Sick in bed. 23d. — Men dying like sheep every hour. Oh, 
what a horrid place ! Such a stench and lice. One can hardly live. 24th. — Still in 
bed to keep warm. 25th. — Hundreds are sick and dying goes on all the time. 26th. — 
Nearly frozen to death. No fire, no clothing or anything to keep warm. One can lie 
down and die of despair. Hope is all that is left. 27th. — Still awful cold. One of the 
boys by my side died last night. 28th. — Still in bed shivering from cold. It breaks the 
stoutest heart. 

Sunday, Jan. 29. — Still suffer and sick. 30th. — Get less to eat every day. Am 
poor ; will not weigh ninety pounds. 31st. — Things look dreary, but hope to see home 
again. Feb. ist. — Sold my last article, my housewife, for two onions. 

Sunday, Feb. 5. — Bread and molasses for rations to-day. Men dying as usual. 
7th. — My diary is kept only weekly now for want of space. Snow and sleet. Lie abed all 
day. Could not sleep for hunger last night. 

Sunday Feb. 12. — Bruskie of Company E, Twenty-fourth Michigan, died last 
night. This makes the eighth man of our regiment that has died here, who were 
captured on Aug. 19th last. 

Sunday, Feb 19. — Parole papers are made out and we are to start for our lines. 
Thank God, the day of deliverance has come. One thousand left last night. There 
have died in this prison 5,019 prisoners since I came here last October. Feb. 22d. — 
Left Salisbury prison for the north at noon. (Diary filled.) 

Of the twenty-one members of the regiment captured on the 
Weldon Road, eleven died in this prison and while coming home ! 
Like all the Confederate prisons, Salisbury, North Carolina, was one of 
the most loathsome. The prisoners suffered terribly from want of 
food and shelter and it was a place of cruelty and horror. Though 
the weather was inclement and frequently cold in the winter months, 
the men sold their coats and shoes for food, and went around in rags, 
frequently with nothing on but a shirt! Plenty of woods were near 
from which comfortable huts and fuel might have been obtained, but 
it was not permitted. The clothing of the men was covered with 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 437 

vermin which it was impossible to get rid of, and which tortured the 
sick who were too weak to kill them. At winter time, shelter tents 
were furnished for a few only. Full one half had to burrow in the 
ground for a covering. The dampness brought disease and death. 
This prison was a large cotton factory flanked by a few tenement 
houses set up two or three feet from the ground on posts. Under 
these houses the men crowded like hogs to sleep and formed their beds 
on the ground. The dead house was frequently so full that the bodies 
were piled on top of each other. When a man died there was often 
a quarrel to see who should have his vermin covered garments. His 
comrades would then carry him to the dead house, leave the body 
upon the accumulated pile of dead which were buried as naked as 
when they came into the world. 

On November 26, 1864, after having been without rations for 
three days and nights, the men concluded they might as well die in an 
attempt to liberate themselves as to starve to death. In this 
movement Robert E. Bolger of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, still a 
resident of Detroit, was one of the five leaders. At a certain moment, 
every prisoner was to seize whatever was nearest to him — brickbat, 
stone or stick — overpower and disarm the guards and make a break 
for freedom. The guns were wrested from the fifteen relief guards, as 
they entered the yard and the combat began. It was an unequal one, 
for the other guards opened on them and before the prisoners could 
effect their escape, the field pieces raked the prison with grape and 
canister, killing sixteen and wounding sixty. Not a tenth of the 
Union prisoners took part in the riot and a great many knew nothing 
of it until the garrison cannon swept the prison pen. By looking at 
the illustration on page 433 the reader will observe the beginning of 
the riot. The limbs of the wounded were amputated by moonlight 
under the tree in the foreground. 

Below is the statement of Almon J. HOUSTON of the Twenty- 
fourth Michigan, now living in Detroit, Michigan : 

I was captured at Gettysburg, July i, 1863, and on July 4, was marched south 
with several hundred other captives, not halting till we reached Williamsport where 
the rise of the Potomac detained the crossing for two days. Thence we were marched 
for Staunton. The first night of this march, we were halted in a field and searched 
for all valuables and surplus clothing. When I saw this, I cut my new rubber 
blanket into shreds with my knife, rather than let the enemy have it. For this act I 
was bucked and gagged for over two hours. This was done by tying my wrists 
together and drawing my elbows down below the under part of my knees, and putting 
a stick between the knees and elbows. A stick was put in my mouth and tied behind 
my head. Circulation stopped in my limbs and I could not stand when cut loose. 



438 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



Next morning the march was resumed for Staunton, Virginia, where we were 
put into old cars and taken to Richmond. I was five weeks in Libby prison and then 
put on Belle Isle. While here, in November, eight or ten of our soldiers died while 
sleeping on the outside of the embankment thrown up to separate us from the guard. 
TJiey had frozen to death. Their bodies were left there for five days until the hogs on 
the island ate them up, the rebels refusing to have them removed. 

At first we had a very small piece of meat and a cup of pea soup, once a day. 
These peas where infested with black bugs in the shells and often they had eaten the 
entire pea out. Of such peas was our soup made, bugs and all. Often we had to 
scrape the bugs off the top of our soup before we ate it. The Union Sanitary 
Commission sent supplies for us but the rebels confiscated them and they did not 

reach us. The guards would show us the supplies, saying they were from the 

Yankees, and eat them before our eyes. Occasionally they threw pieces of food down 
into the open sinks to see our starved men in their rage for food, reach down into the 
fecal mass of filth and fish them out to eat ! 




LIBBY PRISON, RICHMOND, VA. 



Often the stomachs of our men could not digest the poor, uncooked food 
furnished us, and they would vomit it up. I have seen a comrade gather up the 
whole beans vomited up, wash, re-cook and eat them ! During my stay on Belle Isle, 
the rebel surgeons vaccinated the prisoners with poisonous vaccine that killed the 
men off faster than if they had the small pox. The vaccinated limbs would rot and 
the whole body became infected with the poisonous virus. 

On February 22, 1864, I left that God forsaken island and was taken back to 
Richmond, and then further South. None knew where we were destined until, at the 
end of six days and nights on the cars, we arrived at Andersonville prison. One day 
on the route we had peanuts only to eat. We were turned into this pen without 
shelter, like a lot of animals. Here, for rations, we received corn meal, a pint for 
twenty-four hours, and nothing to cook it with, although forests we could see all 
around us. The meal often was sour and being eaten uncooked gave the men a 
diarrhea from which they died by the hundred. Soon our numbers increased to- 
35,000 men in the prison. 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 



439 



At night, pine fires were built all around the prison to light up the pen for the 
guards to sight any escaping. From the smoke of these pine fires, the men's faces, 
hands and naked feet became black. Their clothing hung in tatters from their 
emaciated limbs. Many had no hats. Many had no shirts, or coats or shoes. A 
swamp ran through the center of this camp, one side of which was used for a sink, 
which under a broiling sun, became too vile to describe, and maggots covered the 
surface of the stagnant mass. Our men died off from starvation like sheep with the 
rot. Every morning corpses were laid out to be hauled away. One day I counted 
over 200 dead who had died within twenty-four hours ! Negroes would come in with 
a span of mules hitched to a wagon with the box top spreading outwards, and the 




WAGON AT ANDERSONVILLE USED TO CARRY IN THE FOOD AND CARRY OUT THE JEAD. 



440 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

stiffened corpses would we tossed into the wagon like so many dead hogs, one top of 
the other, until the box was filled. This same wagon, uncleaned, was used to haul in, to 
our men, their daily supply of food ! 

Every few mornings the deep mouthed hayings of the large blood hounds kept 
for the purpose, were heard in the neighboring forests, indicating the woeful fate of 
some escaped prisoner. I have read histories of those Southern prisons, but the 
fullness of all their hellish enormities has never been told. It never can be. In the 
fall of 1864, many of us were taken to Millen, Georgia. This was the same as 
Andersonville in the treatment of the men. A few months later, I was released for 
exchange along with 1,100 others. My diary that I had kept was taken from me by 
the rebels before I got out of their hands. There were thirty-two of our men who 
died while coming North, too weak to stand the journey. 

These accounts by comrades Ladd and Houston are but specimens 
of a score of others we might publish, did space allow, from our own 
regiment alone. They all contain the sickening details similar to the 
naratives of thousands of others. A few only are published ; the rest 
will go down to the graves of the witnesses of those awful events of 
southern prison life. They all agree that "Andersonville was the 
vilest place that God ever let the sun shine upon." But Florence, 
Millen and Salisbury were equally as bad. 

There is no doubt but that it was the design of the Confederate 
government to deplete our army by starving Union prisoners into 
their graves, or totally unfit them for further duty. Scarcely any of 
our returned prisoners ever were able to do soldier duties after their 
return. The rations issued, six 07iJices of flour, ttvo owices of bacon, one 
gill of molasses and a pint of cozvpeas, was a composition designed to 
disorder the bowels and produce marasmus and death. 

From the first battle of Bull Run till the surrender of the last 
Confederate soldier, Union captives were robbed of their clothing, 
only enough being left to cover them scantily, and frequently the rags 
of the captor were changed for them. No clothing was ever issued to 
Union prisoners by the enemy. There was a "dead line" in all the 
prisons, beyond which, or even near which, it was sure death from the 
guards, to get. Shelter was furnished to but a small portion of those 
confined in these prisons. The men had to burrow holes in the ground 
which often filled with water, driving them out. Many had no shelter 
at all. 

The same story as to diminution and poorness of food runs 
through all the prisons of fhe south. Some were known to catch rats 
cook and eat them. At Belle Isle, the commandant's dog was caught 
and eaten. Men would even at Florence and Andersonville, eat the 
offal from the rations of the guard, devouring scraps of stinking meats 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 44I 

and slops ; and they would even search the excrement and vomit of 
comrades for undigested food ! Reader, do you tire of these 
statements ? Wonder not then of the weariness of the actors of these 
incidents which bear the stamp of proof from living witnesses in our 
midst. Hundreds of pages of Congressional testimony, taken at the 
time, over a quarter of a century ago, from witnesses from every section 
of the Union corroborate each other as to those prison enormities. 

The water supply in all the prisons was bad. At Belle Isle the 
water frontage of the camp was narrow and the sinks contiguous to 
where the men must get their water. Frequently the prisoners 
were compelled first to remove the fecal matter on the surface before 
dipping up the water ! At Andersonville, a pure volume of water was 
within bowshot of the pen, but not a drop of it was allowed the 
prisoners. They must go to the swamp that divided the camp for 
water. 

The matter of fuel was no better. Within sight of forests, they 
were allowed no wood. Occasionally at Salisbury, a few sticks were 
brought in and divided, not an eighth of a cord to one hundred men. 
At Andersonville the men dug roots from the earth with which to 
cook their food. When a comrade died they contested for the 
privilege of carrying him to the dead pen outside, to enable them to 
obtain a few chips or sticks by way of barter with outsiders. 

Dying comrades were everywhere present, in their rude huts, 
often alone. Three men were known to bid each other good bye at 
night, and all were dead by morning. Frequently, the first evidence 
of a death was the stench that came from some burrow in the ground. 
Often they dragged themselves into the swamp to quench their 
burning thirst and died there. Again, they were found dead in the 
sink, amid the festering mass of maggots. Others threw themselves 
purposely over the dead line and were shot by the guards. It is said 
their passing away was without pain ; as if angels had come to 
welcome and pilot them from that Confederate hell to Paradise. 

The starvation and exposure to which the Confederate 
Government purposely and needlessly subjected them, produced their 
quick results. A healthy boy or man in his prime would be captured 
and frequently but ninety days would be necessary thus to kill him. 
Scurvy was very prevalent. It was quite as fatal as leprosy. Often 
sores would form on their swollen limbs and bodies, in which vermin 
festered. Gangrene ate the flesh from their cheeks, exposing the 
bones and teeth, and reducing them to a skeleton, with lusterless eyes, 
wild looking and hollow. Fever and diarrhea wasted others away and 



442 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN 

many wandered about in a half naked condition, reason gone and death 
certain. 

To add to these enormities, a band of Raiders appeared amongst 
them. These were cut-throats, thieves and scoundrels in shape of 
bounty-jumpers who had been captured and here plied their profession. 
Men were robbed and murdered by them. A vigilance committee 
was organized among the prisoners for their capture which was 
successful. The prison authorities preserved no order in the pen and 
left disipline all to the men. Their sole attention seemed to be given 
to the slow starvation process, and training the cannon upon the 
Stockade. They allowed the vigilants to take the raiders into a seperate 
enclosure that surrounded the stockade. There they were tried by 
a select jury and defended in manner as if they had been at home. 
Six of them were convicted and hanged. They believed it all a joke 
as they approached the gallows, but the grim task went on in sight of 
the whole Andersonville stockade and many who came from the 
surrounding country to witness the event. The rope broke as one 
fell and he ran to the swamp to escape. He was hunted down and 
swung into eternity too. This had a beneficial effect upon the evil 
disposed in the camp. 

At Andersonville, Georgia, in less than fourteen months, 13,412 
prisoners died ! In five months at Salisbury, North Carolina, 4,728 
prisoners died. In all the Confederate prisons the number of deaths 
as ascertained by the number of known Union graves was 36,401, or 
a mortality per cent of 38.7 of the captures. The mortality per cent 
of the Confederate captives was but 13-25, In addition to the 
terrible mortality among the Union prisoners, 11,599 *^^^<^ before 
reaching their homes, and of those who did reach home, 12,000 died 
not long after, making an army of 60,000 unarmed Union prisoners of 
war who were thus destroyed by the barbarous effects of prison 
ill-treatment. At Andersonville, in September, 1864, one in every 
three died / In October, one in every tivo died ! 

Two monsters who were the tools of the Rebel Confederacy in 
causing the above enormity of worse than murdered lives, were John 
H. Winder and Henry Wirs. When the former left the Richmond 
prisons to assume charge of Andersonville, the "Examiner" said: 
" God have mercy upon those to whom he has been sent." His 
infamy may be judged by his issue of the following : 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 



443 



Headquarters, Andersonville Prison, Ga., July 27, 1864. 
Order No. 13. — The officers on duty and in charge of the Battery at the time 
will, upon receiving notice that the enemy has approached within seven miles of this 
post, open upon the stockade -Mith grapeshot, without reference to the situation beyond 
these lines of defense. 

JOHN H. WINDER, 
Brig. Gen. Conimanding. 

Thus twenty-five cannon were to be opened upon the 35,000 sick 
and dying Union prisoners, rather than suffer them to be rescued ! It was 
like savages who tomahawk their captives when re-capture is probable. $ 
And now come forward the apologists of such murderers and declare 
that these facts had better never been written. Then expurgate the 
account of the crucifixion from the testament, burn all history and 
leave but oblivion. Let these truths stand prominently out as beacon 
lights to the civilized world what demons the system of human slavery 
will make. They show pointedly, also, the sacrifices and cost to 
preserve this nation. 

Confederate testimony is ample in substantiating the universal 
narratives of the Union survivors of those prison pens. The archives 
of the Confederate War Department furnish conclusive confirmations 







A SECTION OF ANDERSONVILLE PUISON. KROM A REBEL PHOTOGRAPH. 



444 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

of their horrible accounts. When Winder was laying out the 
Andersonville pen, he told Mr. Ambrose Spencer, a resident of 

Americus, Ga., near by, " The Yankees who would be put in 

the pen would need no barracks." When asked why he was cutting 
down all the trees, Winder replied : " I am going to build a pen here 

that will kill more Yankees than can be destroyed at the front." 

The Confederate records show that the attention of Jefferson 
Davis was repeatedly called to these enormities, by the Andersonville 
surgeons. The receipts of such letters and reports were acknowledged 
and confessed by indorsement on their back in Jefferson Davis' own 
handwriting! In August, 1864, when the pen contained 35,000 men 
Lieutenant-Colonel D. T. Chandler, C. S. A., after officially 
inspecting the Andersonville prison, thus reported to Jefferson Davis: 

There is no medical attendance provided within the stockade. Small quantities 
of medicine are placed in the hands of certain prisoners and the sick are directed to 
be brought out to the medical officers at the gate. Only the strongest can get access 
to the doctors, the weaker ones being unable to force their way through the press. 
Many are carted out daily whom the medical officers never have seen. The dead are 
hauled out daily by the wagon load, and hurried without coffins, their hands in many 
instances being first mutilated with an axe in the removal of any finger rings they may 
have. The sanitary condition of the prisoners is as wretched as can be, the principal 
causes of mortality being scurvy and chronic diarrhea. Nothing seems to have been 
done to arrest it by proper food. The ration is one-third of a pound of bacon and 
one and one-quarter pound of unbolted corn meal, with fresh beef at rare intervals, 
and occasionally rice — very seldom a small quantity of molasses for the meat ration. 
A little weak vinegar unfit for use has sometimes been issued. The arrangements for 
cooking have been wholly inadequate. Raw rations have to be issued to a very large 
proportion who are entirely unprovided with proper utensils, and furnished so limited 
a supply of fuel they are compelled to dig with their hands in the filthy marsh for 
roots. No soap or clothing has ever been issued. * * * My duty requires me to 
recommend a change in the officer in command of the Post, Brig. Gen. J. H. Winder, 
and the substitution of some one who unites good judgment with some feeling of 
humanity for the comfort of the vast number of unfortunates under his control — some 
one at least who will not advocate deliberately and in cold blood the propriety of 
leaving them in their present condition, until their number has been sufficiently 
reduced by death to make the present arrangement suffice for their accomodation ; 
who will not consider it a matter of self laudation and boasting that he has never been 
inside of the stockade, a place the horrors of which it is difficult to describe, and which is a 
disgrace to civilization. 

The above report from Jefferson Davis' own appointed agent, 
was acknowledged as received by him in his own handwriting, and yet, 
with the guilty knowledge of such enormities, instead of removing 
this fiendish keeper, Jefferson Davis promoted him — John H. Winder 
— to the command of all the prisons in the Confederacy, thus becoming 
a particeps criniinis of all those murderous methods. The above is a 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 445 

Confederate s official testimony of the horrors of that prison pen 
which will ever disgrace the Confederate cause. 

The following document in possession of the Government is 
unanswerable proof of the settled policy of the Richmond Government 
towards Union prisoners : 

City Point, Va., March 17, 1863. 
Sir: — A flag-of-truce boat has arrived with 350 political prisoners. I wish you 
to send me all the military prisoners (except officers) and all the political prisoners 
you have. The arrangement I have made works largely in our favor. We get rid of 
a set of miserable wretches, and receive some of the best material I ever saiv. * * * 

ROBERT OULD, 
Confederate Com'r of Exchange. 
To Brig. Gen. John H. Winder, C. S. A. 

No apologies from the southern traitors or their northern 
cowardly sympathizers can wipe out such evidence. It is idle to 
attempt to parallel it with averments as to the treatment of 
Confederate prisoners in the North. Such an effort has recently been 
made in the Century magazine, wherein certain atrocities of similar 
kind are charged. If true, they deserve the branding shame of the 
perpetrators. If false, the statement deserves the opprobrium of 
falsehood. Is it not strange that these things have not been disclosed 
until after the lapse of a quarter of a century? What southern or 
northern press ever alluded to them in those days? The place of 
such averred mistreatment was at the camp for Confederate prisoners 
near Indianapolis, Indiana. Here were the headquarters of the 
Knights of the Golden Circle, a society inimical to the administration 
of Lincoln, an opposer of every war policy of the government 
and a treasonable organization. The averred mistreatment of the 
Confederate prisoners then escaped entirely the attention of those 
marplots against our government. However, the comparison of the 
death rates and the evidence of the people in the vicinity prove the 
falsity of the Century article. As previously stated in this article, 
the Confederate prisoners had the same treatment, the same rations, 
the same medical attention and care, the same fuel for warmth, that 
the Union soldiers had who guarded them, and when released were 
placed right back in the Confederate ranks for field duty, while 
scarcely any of our Union prisoners were ever fit for duty after their 
release. We have diverged from our subject to repel the statements 
in the Century article, feeling that justice to history demanded a 
refutation of what even every sympathizer of the southern cause in the 
North believes to be a malicious fabrication. 



446 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

The illustration on page 447 affords a general idea of Andersonville 
Prison. Far down towards the Florida line, sixty miles south of 
Macon, in Sumpter County, Georgia, was located this infamous den. 
The reader is on the east side of the prison looking west. In the 
distance the cars are leaving a fresh arrival of Union captives. The 
Sweetwater Creek, a sluggish stream from four to ten feet wide and 
six inches deep — flanked on either side by several rods of swamp, 
meandered from the railroad down through the pen. This was cut 
from a solid pine forest and every tree but three cut away that the 
men might have no shelter. The camp of the guards was located so 
that the stream received the offal from the vaults, and thus polluted, 
flowed through the pen. And of this the prisoners must obtain 
their supply of water. 

The stockade was about 108 rods long by forty-eight rods wide 
and contained about thirty-six acres, of which six acres were swamp, 
so that over 1,000 men to the acre were turned into this pen like 
cattle, without shelter, subject to the cold rains and hot sun. Dense 
forests were all around whence they could have obtained material for 
shelter and for fuel, but these privileges were denied. The illustration 
is so reduced from the original drawing that the reader must observe 
closely and carefully, to understand it, but the study will repay him. 
The margin shows a few prison incidents. Commencing on the right 
hand is a picture of the author of the drawing, Thomas O'Dea, who 
spent several months in the den. Above him is an illustration of the 
modes of punishment for trying to escape, such as hanging by the 
thumbs, wearing a ball and chain, being bucked and gagged, and 
sitting in the stocks. The next shows the daily visit of Wirz to the 
bloodhounds, the large dog Spot appearing in front. Above this some 
escaped prisoners are being pursued in the woods and run down by 
the bloodhounds. Above shows a man coming out of a tunnel 
opening outside the stockade. The picture next above represents the 
men engaged in well digging and tunneling to escape. 

The right-hand corner picture shows the breaking away of the 
stockade after a severe storm. The water flooded the swamp and 
carried off the putrid matter that accumulated. The men waded into 
the swamp and gathered up the logs for fuel, but they were taken 
away from them. To the left is an indistinct representation of the 
diseases that afflicted the men. Again to the left is a dying prisoner 
and adjacent thereto his final thoughts of home and loved ones — his 
wife reading his last letter, his babe in the cradle, etc. The top center 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 



447 



picture represents the grave yard. A load of dead is being placed 
upon the ground — their arms and legs hanging over the wagon sides. 
In a long trench two feet deep are closely placed side by side the 
emaciated forms of men of health but a few weeks before — now starved 
to the grave. This same dead wagon, reeking with filth and vermin, 
without cleaning, was used to bring back into the stockade the food 
for the men ! 




Next to the left is the shooting of a man too near the dead line, 
by the guard. Then appears the difficult efforts of the men to cook 
their rations, with such chips, sticks and roots, that they could barter 
for and dig from the ground. In the left-hand corner may be seen a 
representation of hanging the six raiders. Below represents the 
method of drawing rations. These were divided as equally as possible 
according to the number in the squad, and placed on a blanket. Each 
man had his number and one fellow turned his back to the rations. 
The sergeant then pointed to a pile and asked "Who'll have this?" 
The man with his back turned would say " No. lo," and the man who 
bore that number would step forward, take the pile and devour it. 

The picture next below the ration scene represents the Providence 
Spring. Just inside the "dead line" on the northwest side of the 
swamp, one night after a terrible thunderstorm when shafts of 



448 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN 

lightning were frequent, a fine spring of pure cold water burst out of 
the ground which was regarded as a miracle by the men, many of 
whom averred that it was a stroke of lightning that caused it to come 
forth. It furnished a sufificient quantity of fine water for the men 
during their confinement therein. This spring was still in existance 
several years later when the author visited the prison and from which 
he quaffed the Nectarean liquid. The scene next down on the left 
represents an excitement in camp caused by false rumors of exchange, 
after which many died from despondency. The next scene represents 
the dead brought daily to the gate and laid down to be carried out in 
the "provision wagon." Below is a picture of Father Whelan, of 
Savannah, Georgia, praying among the living and dead. 

All during July, 1864, the prisoners came streaming by thousands. In all, 7,128 
during that month were turned into that seething mass of corrupting humanity to be 
polluted by it and to make it fouler and deadlier — fair youths in the first flush of 
hopeful manhood ; beardless boys rich in the priceless affections of homes were sent 
in to have their flesh rotted with scurvy and bodies burned with the slow fire of 
famine. These 35,000 young men were cooped up on thirteen acres of ground. There 
was hardly room for all to lie down at night, and to walk a few hundred feet would 
require an hour. The weather became hotter and hotter. At midday the sand would 
burn the hand. The thin skins of fair and auburn haired men blistered under the sun's 
rays, and swelled up in great watery puff's, which soon became the breeding grounds 
of the hideous maggots or more deadly gangrene. The loathsome swamp grew in 
rank offensiveness with every burning hour. The pestilence stalked at noon-day and 
one could not look a rod in any direction without seeing at least a dozen men in the 
last frightful stages of rotting death. 

Immediately around my own tent in a space not larger than a good sized parlor 
was a scene that was a sample of the whole prison. On this small space were at least 
fifty of us. In front of me lay two brothers in the last stages of scurvy and diarrhea. 
Every particle of muscle and fat about their limbs and bodies had apparently wasted 
away, leaving the skin clinging close to the bone of the face, arms, hands and ribs — 
everywhere except the feet and legs where it was swollen and distended with gallons 
of purulent matter. Their livid gums, from which most of their teeth had already 
fallen, protruded far beyond their lips. To their left lay a Sergeant and two others, 
all slowly dying from diarrhea and beyond, a fair-haired German whose life was 
ebbing away. To my right was a young Sergeant whose left arm had been amputated 
and he was turned into the stockade with the stump undressed, where he had not 
been an hour until the maggot flies had laid eggs in the open wound and before the 
day was gone the worms were hatched out and rioting amid the inflamed nerves 
where their every motion was agony. I would be happier could I forget his pale face 
as he wandered about holding his maimed limb with his right hand and occasionally 
pressing from it a stream of maggots and pus, before he died. This is what one 
could see on every square rod of the prision. — McElroy s Andersoiiville. 

With one exception, it is said that Catholic Priests were the only 
ministers of the Gospel who ever set foot in Confederate prisons. In 
February, 1865, on the last Sunday before the prisoners were sent 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 



449 






FROM PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY THB U. 8. GOVERNMENT OF UNION SOLDIERS, 
JUST AFTER THEIR RETURN FROM CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 



450 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

North from Salisbury, N. C, three Southern Methodist Clergymen 
came into the pen and preached. They said they were Southerners 
and had for a long time been aware of the awful crimes that were 
being committed in that prison, but they were powerless to prevent 
them. They had sought for their liberation but in vain. They now 
came in to tell them that their exchange was near at hand and that 
" God Almighty would never prosper any government which practiced 
such awful cruelties tipon its defenseless captives!'' Several prisoners 
have told the author that some of the Southern people condemned 
these outrages in unmistakable terms, and the Southern women were 
moved to weeping at the awful looking skeletons and emaciated forms 
that emerged from that prison hell. The great trouble with the 
people of the South was their acquiesence in the wicked and 
treasonable acts of their leading men who involved the South in the 
War. Whatever their wicked and cowardly so called Statesmen 
proposed they meekly submitted to and half a million graves is the 
result of such homage. 

The fiend Winder who superintended the southern prisons was 
stricken to death by apoplexy at the depot in Florence, S. C, on 
New Year's Day, 1865, and after the war his pliant follower at 
Andersonville, the infamous Wirs, was captured, tried and hanged. 
The cowardly and equally infamous Jefferson Davis, President no 
longer of the defunct Confederacy, was captured by the Fourth 
Michigan Cavalry while escaping disguised in his wife's clothes ! Both 
he and his entire prisoner-starving cabinet should have swung from the 
same gallows with Wirz for their guilty knowledge of the crimes for 
which their tool was executed, and which they approved and abetted. 

Though bereft of spiritual advisers from without, except as 
above noted, there were preachers among the prisoners who organized 
prayer meetings and held services frequently, which were largely 
attended. At Andersonville, these "Camp Meetings" were held 
almost nightly and were powerful in evidences of divine spirit. The 
charnel house in yonder field was receiving the men by the score, and 
by fifties and by hundreds each day, and notwithstanding the 
congregating in that pent up den of so many different characters. 



[Avery good pamphlet narrative on Southern prisons is published 
by S. S. Boggs of Lovington, 111,, for twenty-five cents. We are 
indebted to this comrade for two cuts in this chapter. McElroy's 
History of Andersonville, by the Toledo Blade Publishing Company, 
is a large and very complete history of prison life.] 



CONFEDERATE PRISONS. 



451 



there was a strong following at these religious meetings. It is said 
that the singing possessed a peculiar pathos from the surroundings 
and was never surpassed in fervor and divine beauty. One piece was 
the most popular of any and we here reproduce it as sung nightly at 
Andersonville prison : 



My heavenly home is briglit and fair, 
Nor/a/« nor death can enter there ; 
Its glittering towers the sun outshine , 
That heavenly mansion shall be mine. 

I'm going home, I'm going home, 
I'm going home to die no more ; 
To die no more, to die no more, 
I'm going home to die no more, 

My Father's house is built on high. 
Far, far above the starry sky. 
When from this earthly prison free, 
That heavenly mansion mine shall be. 



While here, a stranger far from home. 
Affliction's waves may round me foam ; 
Although, like Lazarus, sick and poor, 
My heavenly mansion is secure. 

Let others seek a home below. 

Which flames devour or waves o'erflow. 

Be mine the happier lot to own 

A heavenly mansion near the throne. 

Then fail the earth, let stars decline 
And sun and moon refuse to shine. 
All nations sink and cease to be. 
That heavenly mansion stands for me. 




(32) 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



The Iron Brigade. 



HISTORIES of the war make honorable mention of this 
celebrated Brigade, a name and record bought with blood. 
Fox, in his Book of Losses, ascribes to it a per centage of 
loss, in proportion to its numbers, the greatest of any of 
the Union brigades. It was composed of Western men who possessed 
the indomitable pluck of that section. Early in the war it won for 
itself a noble record for fortitude and bravery, and sustained its proud 
reputation to the end. Generals confidently relied upon it and gave 
it positions of danger and honor. Every soldier in it was proud to 
belong to his particular regiment and highly proud to be a member of 
this Brigade. Each of its five regiments was distinguished for some 
exceptional excellence and all combined to make a record second to 
none. 

In a recent letter to the author, General John B. Callis of 
Lancaster, Wis., thus explains the origin of its name by which its fame 
has become world-wide : 

General McClellan told me at the Continental Hotel in Philadelphia, when his 
grand reception was given there, what he knew of the origin of the cognomen Iron 
Brigade. Said he : " During the battle of South Mountain my Headquarters were 
where I could see every move of the troops taking the gorge on the Pike [National 
Road]. With my glass I saw the men fighting against great odds, when General 
Hooker came in great haste for some orders. I asked him what troops were those 
fighting on the Pike. His answer was: 'General Gibbon's Brigade of Western men.' 
I said, 'They must be made oiiron.' He replied, 'By the Eternal they are iron. If 
you had seen them at Second Bull Run as I did, you would know them to be iron.' 
I replied, 'Why, General Hooker, they Jight equal to the best troops in the world.' This 
remark so elated Hooker that he mounted his horse and dashed away without his 
orders. After the battle, I saw Hooker at the Mountain House near where the Brigade 
fought. He sang out, 'Now General, what do you think of the Iron Brigade?' Ever 
since that time I gave them the cognomen of Iron Brigade." The Twentv-fourth 
Michigan did not join us until after all this, but I am proud to say they proved 
themselves to contain as much iron as any regiment in the Brigade. 

Thus it received its honorable title on the field of battle from the 
Commander-in-Chief of the Army — a distinction it excusably may be 

(452) 



THE IRON BRIGADE. 



453 



proud to boast and a heritage its posterity will highly prize. The 
Iron Brigade was composed of the Second, Sixth and Seventh 
Wisconsin, Nineteenth Indiana and Twenty-fourth Michigan regiments 
of Infantry Volunteers. From time to time some other troops were 
temporarily attached to it, but the above five regiments constituted 




.rii^^M 






turner's gap, south mountain, where the iron 
brigade won its name. 



the Iron Brigade of the West. Gladly would we give a full history 
of each of these regiments but such would be wholly beyond the 
scope of this volume. A brief reference to each must suffice. 

The Second Wisconsin was enrolled under President Lincoln's 
first call for 75,000 three months' troops. It rendezvoused at Madison, 
Wis., during the first week of May, 1861, where its organization was 
perfected under Colonel S. Park Coon. On May 16, the men all 
enlisted for three years except one company whose place was at once 
supplied by the " Wisconsin Rifles" of Milwaukee. The regiment was 
mustered June 11, 1861, and on the 20th of that month left for 
Washington, with the following roster: 



454 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Colonels. Park Coon ; Lieutenant-Colonel — Henry P. Peck ; Major — Duncan 
McDonald; Adjutant — E. M. Hunter; Quartermaster — James D. Ruggles ; Surgeon — 
James M. Lewis ; Assistant Surgeons — Thomas D. Russell and P. S. Arndt ; Chaplain 
— J. C. Richmond. 

Captains — George H. Stevens, Wilson Colwell, David McKee, George B. Ely, 
Gabriel Bouck, William E. Strong, John Mansfield, J. F. Randolph, Thomas S. Allen, 
A. J. Langworthy. First Lieutenants — Edward H. Mann, Frank Hatch, C. K. Dean, 
A. B. McLean, John Hancock, A. O. Doolittle, A. S. Hill, A. A. Meredith, W. W. 
Lafleische, Caleb Hunt. Second Lieutenants — William W. Jones, Robert Hughes, 
William Booth, Dana D. Dodge, H. B. Jackson, Wm. L. Parsons, Samuel K. Vaughn, 
Nat. Rollins, Thomas B. Bishop and William A. Hopkins. 

Soon after it was brigaded with three New York regiments under 
command of Colonel William Tecumseh Sherman, who afterwards 
became the celebrated Major-General. On July i6, in Tyler's 
Division, it moved out to Centerville, and four days later participated 
in the battle of Bull's Run, in which it lost twenty-three killed and 
mortally wounded, 109 other wounded, six of whom were officers and 
forty prisoners, besides thirty-two other prisoners. After the battle 
it was placed in defense of Fort Corcoran. Soon after Edgar 
O'Connor of the regular army became its Colonel, Lucius Fairchild its 
Lieutenant-Colonel and Captain T. S. Allen its Major. It was 
transferred on August 25, to General Rufus King's brigade which 
then consisted of the Fifth and Sixth Wisconsin and Nineteenth 
Indiana. On December 9, 1861, Company K was organized as heavy 
artillery and its place filled on the 30th, by a new company. Its 
subsequent history was identified with the Iron Brigade until May, 
1864, After the battle of Laurel Hill, it was permanently detached. 
May II, 1864, from the Iron Brigade to whose reputation its valor had 
signally contributed. It had now less than lOO men left for duty, 
with both field officers wounded and in the hands of the enemy. It 
was engaged as provost guard of the Fourth Division, Fifth Army 
Corps and on June ii, left for home its term of service being done. 

It was commanded in succession by Colonel S. Park Coon, 
Colonel Edgar O'Connor (killed). Colonel Lucius Fairchild and 
Colonel John Mansfield. Out of a total enrollment of 1,203 it 
sustained a death loss of 315 or 26.2 per cent. It had nearly 900 
killed and wounded and according to Fox, ^^ It sustained the greatest 
perce7itage of loss of any regiment in the entire Union ArniyT At 
Gettysburg, it lost ^J per cent, of those present, Colonel Fairchild lost 
an arm and its Lieutenant-Colonel George H. Stevens was killed. 
The recruits and re-enlisted men were organized into two companies 
and attached to the Sixth Wisconsin. 




LUCIUS FAIRCHlr.D. 

(Brevet Major-General, U. S. Vols.) 



THE IRON BRIGADE. 457 

The Sixth Wisconsin rendezvoused at Camp Randall, Madison, 
about June 25, 1861, and was mustered July 16, 1861, with the 
following roster: 

Colonel — Lysander Cutler ; Lieutenant-Colonel — J. P. Atwood ; Major — B. F. 
Sweet ; Adjutant — Frank A. Haskell ; Quartermaster — I. N. Mason ; Surgeon — C. B. 
Chapman ; Assistant Surgeons — A. W. Preston and A. P. Andrews ; Chaplain — Rev. 
N. A. Staples. 

Captains— K. G. Malloy, D. J. Dill, A. S. Hooe, J. O'Rourke, E. S. Bragg, 
William H. Lindwurm, M. A. Northrup, J. F. Hauser, Leonard Johnson and R. R. 
Dawes. First-Lieutettants — D. K. Noyes, J. F. Marsh, P. W. Plummer, John Nichols, 
E. A. Brown, Fred. Schumacker, G. L. Montague, J. D. Lewis, F. A. Haskell and J. 
A. Kellogg. Second-Lieutenants — F. C. Thomas, Henry Serrill, J. W. Plummer, P. H. 
McCauley, J. H. Marston, Werner Von Bachell, W. W. Allen, J. A. Tester, A. T. 
Johnson, John Crane. 

It arrived in Washington August 7, encamping on Meridian Hill. 
It joined the command of General Rufus King, known later as the 
Iron Brigade, " which was destined to fill such a glorious place in the 
annals of the war," and with which this regiment's history was 
subsequently identified. It was commanded successively by Colonel 
Lysander Cutler, Colonel Edward S. Bragg, Colonel Rufus R. Dawes and 
Colonel John A. Kellogg. Its total enrollment was 1940, and its death 
loss 357 or 18.4 per cent. Its total killed and wounded aggregated 867. 
Says Fox: "Under command of Colonel Dawes it won a merited 
distinction at Gettysburg. All histories of this field mention the 
maneuvre by which a part of a Confederate brigade was captured by 
it in the railroad cut." At the Wilderness, its Major, Philip W. 
Plummer, was killed. Altogether it had 16 officers killed, which was 
within three of the highest number of any regiment. It furnished 
two full commanders of the Iron Brigade — Generals Cutler and 
and Bragg, while the former rose to the rank of Division General. On 
December 31, 1863, the regiment veteranized, 227 re-enlisting for three 
years. They continued in the service until the close of the war, being 
mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 14, 1865, and arrived 
home at Madison, Wis., on the i6th of that month. 

The Seventh Wisconsin rendezvoused also at Madison, during 
August, 1861, and was mustered September 16, 1861, with the following 
roster : 

C^/^„^/_ Joseph Van Dor ; Lieutenant-Colonel— V^ . W. Robinson ; Major— 
Charles A. Hamilton ; Adjutant— C\y2ir\&s W. Cook ; Quartermaster— W^nxy P. 
Clinton; Surgeon— W&nxy Palmer; A ssistatit Surgeons— \^. Coo^^x hy^xs s.nAY.xnsX 
Cramer ; Chaplain — Rev. S. L. Brown. 



458 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Captains — George Bill, J. H. Huntington, Samuel Nasmith, E. F. Giles, W. D. 
Walker, John B. Callis, Samuel Stevens, Mark Finnucan, George H. Mather and 
Alexander Gordon. First-Lieutenants — HoUon Richardson, S. L. Bacheldor, A. R. 
Bushnell, C. W. Cook, W. F. Bailey, Samuel Woodhouse, Homer Drake, C. M. H. 
Meyer, A. S. Rogers and F. W. Oakley. Second- Lieutenants — M. B. Misner, H. P. 
Clinton, E. A. Andrews, A. T. Reed, W. B. Manning, Henry F. Young, Samuel 
Kramer, Robert Palmer, J. N. P. Bird, David Sherrill. 

It arrived at Washington October i, and was assigned to General 
Rufus King's command at Camp Lyon, being henceforth identified 
with the history of the Iron Brigade. Of over 2,000 regiments in the 
Union armies, the Seventh Wisconsin was the third highest to sustain 
the greatest loss in killed and wounded, a total loss of 1,016. The 
Sixth Wisconsin stands tenth on the list and the Second Wisconsin, 
thirteenth. The commanders of the Seventh Wisconsin were 
successively Colonel Joseph Van Dor, Colonel William W. Robinson, 
Colonel Mark Finnucan and Colonel Hollon Richardson. Out of a 
total enrollment of 1,630, it sustained a death loss of 424 or 26 per 
cent. Its percentage of killed was even larger if the conscripts, but 
few of whom reported, were excluded. On December 28, 1863, it 
numbered 249 of whom 2ii veteranized. It was mustered out at 
Louisville, Kentucky, July 3, 1865, and arrived at Madison, Wis., 
on July 5. 

The Nineteenth Indiana was organized at Indianapolis, July 
29, 1 861, and arrived in Washington August 5th. It was placed in 
General Rufus King's Brigade with the two Wisconsin regiments. 
Its commanders were successively Colonel Solomon Meredith, Colonel 
Samuel T. Williams, (killed), and Colonel John M. Lindley. Colonel 
Meredith became commander of the Iron Brigade. Out of an 
enrollmenc of 1,246, it sustained a death loss of 317. Its total killed 
and wounded was 712. Its first battle was at Manassas where it lost 
259 out of 423 engaged or 61 per cent., its Major, Isaac M. May being 
killed. At Antietam, its Lieutenant-Colonel, Alois O. Bachman was 
killed, and Colonel Williams was killed in the Wilderness. It 
participated in all the battles of the Iron Brigade until the expiration 
of its term of enlistment in August, 1864, when the few remaining 
members who had not re-enlisted, returned home. 

The Iron Brigade thus organized under General Rufus King 
[See page 215], marched on September 3, 1861, to a position at the 
chain bridge and assisted in the erection of fortifications. During 
this month, the Fifth Wisconsin was permanently detached from this 
Brigade which then was joined to McDowell's Division. On October 



THE IRON BRIGADE. 459 

15, it went into Winterquarters on Arlington Heights, doing out-post 
duty until March 10, 1862, near Falls Church. At this date the 
Brigade marched out sixteen miles to Germantown near Fairfax 
Court House. General King having been promoted to the command 
of the Division, Colonel Lysander Cutler, of the Sixth Wisconsin took 
temporary command of the Brigade. Returning to Fairfax Seminary, 
it remained there until April 5th, when it left with McDowell's Corps 
for the Rappahannock. Marching by Centerville, Manassas and 
Bristoe, it reached Catlett's on the 12th and guarded the railroad until 
the 2 1st, when it renewed its march and arrived at Falmouth on April 
23d. On the 27th, it marched to Brooks' Station and worked upon a 
bridge across Akakeek Run, returning May 2d, to Falmouth. From 
here detachments were sent out to build and guard bridges. While 
thus employed, General John Gibbon took command of the Brigade 
and from this time it was known in history as "Gibbon's Brigade" 
until it earned and received the famous name of Iron Brigade, 
under which its name will be contemporaneous in future ages with 
this great war. 

On May 25, 1862, it crossed the Rappahannock and proceeded 
eight miles south on the Bowling Green road to Guinea's Station. 
On the 29th, it moved out to cut off the retreat of the Confederate 
General Jackson from the Shenandoah Valley. Proceeding via 
Falmouth and Catlett's to Haymarket, where it arrived on June i, it 
encamped for three days. On June 5 it moved on to Warrenton. 
The attempt to intercept Jackson having failed, it began the return 
march to Falmouth on the 8th. Marching via Warrenton Junction 
and Hartwood, it encamped near Falmouth, June 10, after a march of 
104 miles. 

On July 24, it left Falmouth on a reconnoissance toward Orange 
Court House. Advancing via Chancellorsville, it struck the enemy's 
pickets on the 26th, a mile from the Court House and a skirmish 
followed in which the enemy was routed and a few prisoners captured. 
Having accomplished the object of the expedition, the Brigade 
returned to Falmouth, having marched eighty miles in three days. 

On Aug. 5, the Sixth Wisconsin was sent to Frederick's Hall, 
twenty-three miles from the Junction of the Richmond and Potomac 
railroad, to destroy the Virginia Central in that section. It tore up a 
mile of the road in each direction, burned a large warehouse filled with 
Confederate supplies, destroyed the depot and burned two bridges on 
its return. Meanwhile the rest of the Brigade marched on the 
Telegraph Road and on Aug. 5, engaged the enemey's cavalry at 



460 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Thornburg on Ta River. On the 6th, it pushed forward to Beaver 
Dam Station on the Virginia Central where the rear of its column was 
attacked by Stuart's cavalry. It repulsed the assault, the enemy being 
driven back to Fredericksburg where they escaped, carrying off with 
them seventeen men of the Second Wisconsin, who had become 
exhausted on the march and been sent back. 

On Aug. 7, the Brigade moved to Spottsylvania Court House, 
where it was joined by the Sixth Wisconsin which had marched over 
100 miles within three days, going thirty miles within the enemy's 
lines. On August 8, it returned to Falmouth and on the loth marched 
by Hartwood Church, twenty miles to Barnett's Ford, where it 
crossed the Rappahannock and pushed forward the next day via 
Stevensburg thirty miles to Cedar Mountain, near Culpepper Court 
House, where it took position in the advance line of Pope's army, and 
took part in the movements of that army. 

On August 19, the Brigade moved in the direction of Rappahan- 
nock Station, crossing the Rappahannock the next day, and occupied 
a position north of the railroad whence it moved to the right, covering 
Beverly Ford, where a skirmish with the enemy occurred, with but a 
trifling loss to the Brigade. On the 23d, it encamped on the road to 
White Sulphur Springs near Warrenton. Moving towards the White 
Sulphur Springs on the 26th, the Brigade skirmished all day with the 
enemy, with slight loss. On August 27, it marched by Warrenton 
sixteen miles to Buckland Mills. 

On the afternoon of August 28, the Brigade proceeded slowly on 
the left of the army, by Gainesville to Groveton, where it turned to 
the right on the Bethlehem Church road, and lay under arms until 5 
o'clock. It then returned to the Warrenton Pike, marching towards 
Centerville. While moving by the flank, the Second Wisconsin in 
advance, was attacked by a battery upon which that regiment 
promptly advanced, and soon came upon the enemy's infantry. 
While awaiting the arrival of the rest of the Brigade, this regiment, 
for twenty minutes, checked the onset of " Stonewall " Jackson's 
entire Division, under a murderous concentric musketry fire. The 
fight was continued by the Brigade until 9 o'clock at night when the 
enemy's attack was repulsed, although holding his line. They 
remained until midnight to bury their dead, for the battle had been 
sharp and bloody, when the Division under General King retreated 
by the Bethlehem Road to Manassas Junction, where it arrived at 
sunrise, having left many of their wounded in the hands of the 
enemy. 





Jl'IlN (illJl'.i'X. 

(Major-General, U. S. Vols.) 



s I I ^ M I I I 111 I II 

(Brevet Mcljol (ieneral, U S Vols.) 





LYSANDER CUTLER. 

(Brevet Major-General, U. S. Vols.) 



EIlWARI) S. BRAGG. 

(Brevet Major-General, U. S. Vols.) 



THE IRON BRIGADE. 463 

On the 30th of August, the Brigade participated in the terrible 
battle of Manassas or Second Bull's Run, repelling with great 
slaughter the attacks of the enemy, but being compelled to fall back 
with the rest of Pope's army. An eye witness said: "Gibbon's 
Brigade covered the rear, not leaving the field until 9 o'clock at night, 
and showing so steady a line that the enemy did not molest them." 
On September i, the movement to the rear was resumed by 
Centerville to Upton's Hill, near Washington, which was reached on 
the 2d. 

On September 6, the Brigade went with McClellan to intercept 
Lee's invasion of Maryland. Marching by Mechanicsville and New 
Market, a distance of 80 miles, it reached Frederick City, Maryland, 
on Sunday, September 14. Passing directly through the city it 
moved on the National Pike to Turner's Pass in the South Mountain 
range, where the enemy was strongly posted in the gorge, across the 
National Road. The duty of storming this position was assigned to 
Gibbon's Brigade. The assault began at 5:30 P. M., and at 9 o'clock 
the enemy was routed and driven from the Pass. It was here that it 
acquired the immortal name of IRON BRIGADE by which it was 
thereafter known. 

On September 15th, leading Hooker's Division in advance of the 
entire army, it pursued the retreating enemy through Boonsboro for 
fourteen miles to Antietam Creek where it had a skirmish but no loss. 
On the morning of September 17th, the Iron Brigade began the 
bloody battle of Antietam and soon became hotly engaged, dislodging 
the enemy in its front and occupying the position until relieved by 
fresh troops. On the 19th, the Brigade went into camp near the 
Potomac in sight of Sharpsburg where it remained for a month. 
During its bivouack here, it was joined by the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan. Its subsequent movements are interwoven in the history 
of this regiment, not so completely as we could wish for, but quite as 
much as the limits of the volume will allow. 

During the brief period from August 28, to September 17, 1862, 
the Iron Brigade fought in four bloody battles — Gainesville, Second 
Bull's Run, South Mountain and Antietam — and sustained a loss of 
287 killed, 1,118 wounded and 177 missing, an aggregate loss of 1,582 
men inside of twenty days. 

Out of over 2,000 regiments in the Union Army, the records of 
the regiments of the Iron Brigade make a most honorable showing. 
In percentages of killed and died of wounds, the Second Wisconsin 
stands first, the Seventh Wisconsin stands sixth, and the 



464 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

Twenty-fourth Michigan stands nineteentJi. The aggregate killed and 
died of wounds of the five regiments of this Brigade was 1,131, and, 
as has already been quoted, Fox says: '^ In proportion to its munbers 
this Brigade sustained the heaviest loss of any in the war. Its 
aggregate losses is exceeded in only one instanced 

At Gainesville and Second Bull's Run, this Brigade lost 894 out 
of 2,000 engaged. At Gettysburg it had 1,153 casualties out of 1,883 
engaged, or 61 per cent. Some of the regiments of the Iron Brigade 
suffered the greatest losses of any regiment engaged. At Gainesville, 
the Second Wisconsin suffered the most losses, the Nineteenth 
Indiana next, and the Seventh Wisconsin next. At Gettysburg, the 
greatest battle of the war, out of over 400 regiments there engaged, 
the Twenty-fourth Michigan sustained the greatest loss. At the 
Wilderness, this honor fell to the Seventh Wisconsin, and at Dabney's 
Mill to the Sixth Wisconsin. 

The War Department records show the following for the 
Iron Brigade: 

Total Battle Disease Total Per Cent. 

Strength. Deaths. Deaths. Deaths. of Deaths. 

Second Wisconsin 1,200 238 80 318 26.5 

Sixth Wisconsin 1,940 244 116 360 18.6 

Seventh Wisconsin 1,630 281 146 427 26.2 

Nineteenth Indiana 1,250 179 128 307 24.6 

Twenty-fourth Michigan 1,240 176* 142 318 25.6 

Aggregate 7,260 1,118 612 1,730 23.8 

In behalf of the Sixth Wisconsin, it is proper to state that in its 
aggregate of strength is included Company K, which early left it for 
artillery service and whose place was filled by another company 
but the death rates of the detached company do not figure thereafter 
with this regiment. Should they do so, its per cent of death loss 
would mount up to that of the other regiments of the Brigade. It is 
also proper to state that the Twenty-fourth Michigan's loss occurred 
during a period of two and one-half years only at the front, as against 
three and four years at the front by other regiments of this Brigade. 
But comparisons are often unsatisfactory and we shall leave the rest 
to others. 

The light of subsequent years has slightly changed the above 
figures of casualties and losses by disease, not sufficiently, however, to 
destr.oy their significance. The above table exhibits the totalities of 



* Fox places this number at 189 but the author cannot find so many, unless some in the 
"unaccounted for" and "desertion" lists belong there. 



THE IRON BRIGADE. 465 

mortuary losses and is quite as instructive as if in battle detail, for in 
the latter, the few losses in the smaller regiments do not show up with 
the highest loss figures in the large regiments. 

This Brigade, by its intrepidity at Gainesville in Pope's Campaign, 
saved its division from utter rout and ruin and to it must be credited 
the chief burden of the Confederate assault at Gettysburg. Its record 
in this battle is a central point in war histories. Its dress was unique, 
being dark colored and tall black hats somewhat bell-shaped, with 
broad brims, by which they were always recognized by friend and foe. 

The Iron Brigade was commanded successively by Generals Rufus 
King, John Gibbon, Solomon Meredith, Lysander Cutler, Edward S. 
Bragg, William W. Robinson and Henry A. Morrow. It participated 
in the following battles : Blackburn's Ford, First Bull's Run, 
Gainesville, Second Bull's Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericks- 
burg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 
Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Salient at Spottsylvania, Jericho 
Ford, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, 
Dabney's Mill, White Oak Road, Five Forks and Appomattox, not to 
mention numerous skirmishes, raids and reconnoissances. 

During the Wilderness campaign in 1864, the Seventh Indiana 
was attached to this Brigade until it was mustered out in August. 
The First New York Sharp Shooters' Battalion was also attached to 
it for a time, joining it in the fall of 1863. After the Twenty-fourth 
Michigan left it February, 1865, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin 
with those of the Second that had veteranized joined the First 
Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Corps. 

At the reunion camp-fire of the Iron Brigade held in Detroit in 
1890, General Russel A. Alger, then National Commander of the G. 
A. R., spoke as follows : 

" I wish to say that we are as proud of you as though we were fortunate 
enough to belong to your splendid Brigade. I cannot talk to you as intelligently as 
though I were one of your number, but I want to thank you for the noble service you 
did our country. You may live in prosperity or adversity, you may be ruddy with 
the glow of health or crippled by the bullet of the foe, but you will leave a legacy to 
your children and your children's children that money cannot buy. I have traveled 
much and been astonished at the wonderful progress of the land into which you 
breathed the breath of a new life. You are no doubt astonished, as I have been, with 
the figures of the Nation's growth, and in our great prosperity it must be pleasant to 
you, it must compensate for privations endured and misfortunes encountered, to think 
that with your numberless comrades you laid anew the foundation of this great land. 



466 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

" Let this Nation remember that 3,000,000 of you went upon the bloody field of 
war. Let it remember that upon its bill book was a debt almost boundless in its 
dimensions, and let it further call to mind its political bankruptcy and great moral 
disgrace. Upon the other side of this book you placed your names ; pledges they 
were to redeem our land. You promised to re-establish our credit, to wipe out our 
disgrace, to preserve our sisterhood of commonwealths, and you did it. Talk of pay 
for your deeds of valor, for your dauntless courage and noble fortitude ! Patriotism 
like yours cannot be bought and sold, cannot be compensated. Of the Twenty-fourth 
Infantry I want to say that you are the pride of Michigan, and a glory to the Nation." 

Phil Cheek of Milwaukee, Past-Department Commander G. A. 
R., and private of the Sixth Wisconsin, then entertained the veterans 
with a speech full of wit, pathos and reminiscence, which also 
contained matters of historical interest to the Iron Brigade. After 
noting the absence of many of the old of^cers, he said : 

" But if all the officers had run out, there wasn't a man in the Iron Brigade 
that wouldn't have made a first-class Brigadier-General. Commander Alger has said 
we never turned back. At that Second Bull Run, when we came marching out of the 
woods and found the Johnnies flanking us on both sides and saw those double-shot 
Napoleon guns, we knew there was to be music. There we were — the ' Swamp Hogs 
No. 19,' the lean lank Indianians, the 'Ragged Second,' the 'Calico Sixth,' the 
' Huckleberry Seventh ' and you Michiganders, so brand-new and bright we called 
you the ' Featherbed Twenty-fourth.' And there we lay supporting the battery. You 
know how we supported the batteries, lying on our stomachs. Well, the batteries 
opened and the field looked like windrows in a hay field. We just rose upon our 
hands and knees and took in the spectacle, and one of the Indianians yelled out, ' Hi, 
set 'em up on the other alley ; they're all down on this ! ' And then away we run half 
a mile to the Bull Run bridge, the Johnnies at our heels yelling, ' Git, git, you 
Yanks ! ' — and we got ! 

" I am proud of our Brigade, but we ran. How I skedaddled with my short 
legs, and I wished I was as short as that' — (indicating with his hands the height of a 
plug hat.) In fact, I wished I hadn't been born. You know how scared they were in 
Washington to see a dirty soldier from the front. Well, one of them at last got there. 
' Where did you come from ? ' ' Beyant in the field.' 'And you a soldier?' 'Yes, 
and a good one.' 'And you ran from the fight?' 'Yes, and the d — d fools that 
didn't are there yet ! ' 

"When we went down to the Potomac in '61 we were the only Western 
soldiers in the entire army, and we would have died rather than have dishonored the 
West. We felt that the eyes of the East were upon us, and that we were the test of 
the West. What made us good soldiers ? Was it because we were gritty and didn't 
blanch? Or because amid the 'zip-zip' of the bullets we didn't feel a peculiar 
corkscrew sensation when we felt that some Johnny had the drop on us? No, it was 
our pride ! We had rather have died than been b^-anded as cowards ! We stood when 
commanded to stand, and when ordered to go — we got ! 

"At Gettysburg, comrades, no regiment there in all that fight lost more killed 
than did the old Twenty-fourth Michigan — the ' Featherbeds.' We won't talk about 
the 'Calico Sixes; that was my regiment. Think of Queen Victoria in person 
decorating the heroes of that Abyssinian war, of which I'll wager most of us never 





WILLIAM V\. tiui'.iS^uS. 

(Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols.) 



HENRY A. MORROW. 

(Brevet Major-Geiieral, U. S. Vols.) 



.^feC5. 





.JOHN A. KELLOGG. 

(Brevet Brigadier-General.) 



Kl'FUS R. DAWES. 

(Colonel of Sixth Wisconsin.) 
(Brevet Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols.) 



THE IRON BRIGADE. 469 

heard. I tell you, I wouldn't give for those little badges of the Iron Brigade any 
possesion I have or could have outside of my wife and children. We are all ' loyal 
legioneers ' — that is, I am not; I was a private. There are so many officers now, 
though, that I enjoy the distinction of being the only surviving private of the war !" 

The nicknames possess an humorous fact of history. The one 
appHed to the Twenty-fourth Michigan was because they were the 
last from home. The " Ragged " Second Wisconsin was the more 
euphonious name for that regiment. This arose from the fact that 
the government contractors seemed to have run short of good material 
when they made the pantaloons for that regiment, allowing their 
" flags of truce " always to be kept in their rear, and a half abandon 
delight all to appear in nniforvi, prevailed among them. Once on a 
review they were drawn up for inspection in their usual ragged pants, 
and the General's carriage with his little daughter therein stood 
directly behind them. Presently she said : " Pa, wouldn't it be just 
as well if our carriage stood in front of this regiment ? " 

The noble record of the Iron Brigade will not be dimmed by 
time. Not that they were better soldiers or patriots than others, but 
because the fortunes and misfortunes of war placed them where the 
fight was thickest. The Detroit Evening Journa/ \\^s fittingly said: 

"Almost every war brings some regiment or other military body to the front 
which distinguishes itself for special valor, constancy or endurance. Cromwell's 
Ironsides Regiment, Caesar's Tenth Legion, the Old Guard of Napoleon, the Light 
Brigade at Balaklava, are all illustrious of this fact. Among these bands of heroes 
should be enrolled the ' Iron Brigade.' " 



BATTERY B, FOURTH U. S. ARTILLERY. 

This important annex to the Iron Brigade has a charmingly 
interesting record. Its organization dates far into the early years of 
the Republic. The nucleus of this Battery did service in the War of 
1 81 2, as a rifle company at the battle of Plattsburg. In 1821, we read 
of its separate organization into " Battery B, Fourth U. S. Artillery," 
when its pieces were dragged around by the men with ropes. In 1837, 
it was "horsed" and detailed to duty in Florida, where its guns were 
parked and the men acted as dragoons. In 1842, it was sent to 
Ogdensburg during Canadian troubles. In 1845, 't was sent to the 
Rio Grande with General Taylor. At this time Darius N. Couch, 
subsequently a Major-General, was a Second-Lieutenant in the Battery. 
When La Vega's Mexican Battery was captured at Resaca, two of its 
four-pounders were turned in to Battery B, which had already four 



470 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



brass six-pounders and two twelve-pound howitzers, requiring a 
strength of 140 men to man them. It was in the siege of Monterey 
and then did guard service at Saltillo. On February 23, 1847, ^t 
Buena Vista, the Mexicans charged the Battery and captured one of 
its guns, but only after every cannoneer, driver and horse attached to 




BATTERY B IN ACTION. 



THE IRON BRIGADE. 47 1 

it was killed or wounded. After the Mexican War it was stationed 
until 1856 on the Rio Grande, when it was sent to Fort Leavenworth 
where it arrived in March, 1857. In July following it was sent with 
the army to Utah to settle the Mormon troubles. It remained at 
Camp Floyd near Salt Lake City until May, i860, when its men were 
mounted and sent out to fight Indians. In July, 1861, it was ordered 
east and arrived at Washington in October, when it was put upon a 
full war footing under Captain John Gibbon, who had taken charge of 
it the year before in Utah. It was attached to King's Division of 
McDowell's Corps. 

When Captain Gibbon was promoted to the command of what 
afterwards was known as the Iron Brigade, Lieutenant Joseph B. 
Campbell took command of the Battery which was recruited to its 
full complement by men from the regiments in that Brigade and thus 
this Brigade and Battery became closely allied to each other, it being 
virtually a part of the Iron Brigade. In 185 1, Sergeant James 
Stewart, left New York City for duty with this Battery in Texas. 
In 1 861, he was promoted to a Second-Lieutenant in the Battery. 
On August 28, 1862, it did good service at the battle of Gainesville 
and again at Groveton, August 30. It was heavily engaged at the 
South Mountain Pass, September 14; and was also severely engaged 
at Antietam. Here, after its commander and men had rapidly fallen, 
wuthin thirty paces of the enemy, and the working of the guns thus 
became impeded, General John Gibbon, in full uniform, acted as 
gunner himself and drove the enemy under cover. The Battery lost 
forty out of lOO men in this action. Lieutenant James Stewart now 
became its commander and it was henceforth known as Stewart's 
Battery and ranked among the very highest in that branch of the 
service until the close of the war. It proved worthy of association 
with the Iron Brigade. And why not? Were not its men detailed 
from the ranks of the several regiments of that Brigade and made up 
of the same western pluck? The enemy learned early to respect and 
fear it, for its work was unerring and deadly. Its deep mouthed 
belchings gave tone and confidence to the Brigade on many a field. 
Its music cheered the men on to the combat in many a bloody 
struggle, and when the records of the war were sifted and sorted, like 
the Brigade with which it was associated it stood first. Colonel 
William F. Fox, has thus written of this Battery: 

The "Cannoneer" is correct in claiming for his Battery tlie greatest aggregate 
losses of any light Battery in the service. There is no doubt but that more men fell 
at Stewart's guns than in any other Battery in the Union Armies. 



472 



HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



We shall attempt no extended allusions to the records of this 
celebrated Battery. The above brief testimony from the accepted 
Statistician of the Civil War is evidence that a history of said Battery 
must prove interesting and we are pleased to say to all who would 
like, in imagination, to ride down through the awful battles of the 
Army of the Potomac on a cannon without getting injured, send one 
dollar and a half to the National Tribune at Washington, D. C, for a 
copy of the "Cannoneer" which is a full and complete history of 




V 






this celebrated Battery and contains also a vast amount of invaluable 
war reading, written by Augustus Buell of Washington, D. C. 

There was one "comrade" in this Battery to which we have 
promised our readers to make reference here — Old Tartar, Lieutenant 
Stewart's horse, or "Old Bobtail" as he was called after his caudal 
annex had been shot off in battle. We give below " Old Bob's" 
biography from the pen of Captain Stewart of Carthage, Ohio, to the 
author of the "Cannoneer": 

Dear Comrade: — You ask for Tartar's "biography." His military record is 
as follows : He entered the service at Fort Leavenworth in July, 1857, just before 
Battery B started on the Utah expedition, and was then four years of age. Before 
reaching Utah, he was taKen sick with distemper of a malignant type, so we had to 



THE IRON BRIGADE. 473 

abandon him when we left Green River Camp, Salt Lake. The following spring, 
General Albert Sidney Johnston offered $30 apiece for abandoned horses branded "U. 
S." I was at the tent of .Major Fitz John Porter one morning when two Indians came 
in with a couple of horses, one of which was Tartar. I had him taken over to the 
Battery. In the summer of i860 the personnel of the Battery was formed into Cavalry 
to keep open the mail and pony e.xpress between Salt Lake and Carson City, during 
which Tartar's average work was from forty to fifty miles a day. Early in 1861 the 
Battery marched from Utah to Fort Leavenworth, whence by rail to Washington. At 
the Second Bull Run Tartar was struck by a shell, carrying away his tail, and 
wounding both hips, or hams. At first I thought I could not use him any more and 
turned him into a small field. The ne.xt morning he jumped the fence and followed 
the Battery. 

Sometime after this President Lincoln reviewed the army in front of Fredericks- 
burg. After I had passed in review riding Tartar, I was sent for, to allow the 
President to look at the horse's wound. As soon as Mr. Lincoln saw it he said: "This 
reminds me of a tale !" which he proceeded to relate with great amusement. His 
little son "Tad," mounted on a pony insisted on trading horses. He persisted in 
telling me that his papa was the President and would give any horse I wanted in trade 
for Tartar. I had a hard time to get away from the little fellow. 

Tartar was again wounded at Fredericksbug and after that it was difficult to get 
him to stand under musketry fire. The day before we reached Gettysburg he was 
lamed by running a nail into one of his fore feet, and did not go into the battle. In 
pursuit of Lee he could not keep up and I left him with a farmer on the road. About 
a month afterward a friend informed me that he had seen him over in Kilpatrick's 
Cavalry tied up. I went over and got him. This was in August, 1863. He served 
through the war and was at Appomattox. In 1S66 I left Tartar with the Battery, in 
the tenth year of his service. 




DOC. C. B. AUBERY, 
IRON BRIGADE NEW.SBOY. 



(33) 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



Our Last March, 



KNAPSACK we shoulder now for a tramp to our last camp- 
ground. Many months the author has devoted to this 
compilation. The time has arrived when the result of all 
this labor must go to the type-room. From the first axe- 
stroke against the mighty forest oak to the launch of the ship, much 
good material accumulates which must be left behind. And so with 
this work. Narratives of each member of the regiment would be 
interesting, but they would require many volumes. And a full 
history of all the regiments of the Iron Brigade would also require a 
volume for each. Such task must be deferred to others. There has 
been a determination to exclude, as far as the truth of history would 
allow, all reflexive matter, as well as everything that could not strictly 
stand the test of good authority and sincere account. 

The foregoing recital should accord to every regiment of the Iron 
Brigade that full measure of praise which each has won for itself. 
While members of the Twenty-fourth Michigan pride themselves 
upon its glorious record, written in blood — its wealth of sacrifice 
which has contributed to the enrichment of Michigan history, they 
ever accord a full meed of praise to all other Michigan troops, mindful 
that every soldier, with pardonable pride, loves his own regiment the 
best. And so, while it is our special delight that we belonged to the 
"Twenty-fourth" and to the Iron Brigade, we are also proud that 
we belonged to a Michigan regiment. For, were not Michigan's 
troops the honor of every branch of the service where they served ? 
Did not their blood moisten over 8cxD battle-fields of the war? Did 
not their praises fall from the lips of generals? Did not the command 
of General Phil Kearney — " Put a Michigan Regiment on guard 

(474) 



OUR LAST MARCH. 475 

to-night and then I can sleep," express the confidence of commanders 
in Michigan's soldiery? Were they not selected to lead "forlorn 
hopes" and perform most dangerous and dif^cult tasks? 

Thirty years have intervened since began the great struggle for 
national life. Since then a new generation has been born — a 
generation has passed away, while the magnitude of the struggle and 
the momentous questions at issue — those lost and those preserved — 
are fast passing beyond comprehension. The war cost the North 
alone 360,000 lives, 300,000 wounded, and over one million widows 
and orphans. No less could have been the casualties of the south. 
The North alone, and the South alone, lost each, more men in four 
years, than England lost in all her wars from its Invasion by William 
the Conqueror to Queen Victoria, a period of 800 years ! 

The sword settled that the United States are indivisible. State 
rights remain, but not State sovereignty. Sovereignty belongs 
exclusively to the Nation. The war taught the nations of earth and 
traitors at home that this nation cannot be destroyed without costly 
and bloody protest. It taught that majorities must govern, and so 
govern as to preserve inviolate the equal rights of all ; that a lawfully 
elected President shall serve his constitutional term ; that a minority 
oligarchy cannot permanently control this Republic. May the 
sacrifices of this war never be forgotten. May future generations 
note its awful scope and keep clear of the rocks on which it so nearly 
stranded. May the treasonable sophistries of Calhounism be 
extirpated from the text books and literature of the South, whose 
rising generation is being taught its deadly heresy, else other 
occasions may be sought to revive the " Lost Cause." Let a caution 
prevail in the discussion of internal questions of polity, nor admit too 
freely within our gates the objectionable and ignorant stranger; and 
when enlarging our domain, that we annex not enemies of our 
institutions, customs and form of government. May the blood- 
bought experience of this generation preserve for all time this noblest 
of human organizations, " of the people, by the people and for 
the people." 



476 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 



In Memopiam. 



The following comrades of the Twenty-fourth Michigan are known 
to have passed over to the silent majority since their resignation or 
discharge : 

Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Flanigan, at Detroit, Oct. 4, 1886. 

Major Henry W. Nall, at Long Branch, N. J., July 10, 1863. 

Major William Hutchinson, drowned on Stm. Morning Star, sunk on Lake 
Erie, June ig, 1868. 

Lieutenant and Quartermaster Digby V. Bell, at Detroit, Feb. 8, 1890. 

Surgeon John H. Beech, at Coldwater, Oct. 17, 1878. 

Assistant Surgeon Charles C. Smith, in Redford, April 18, 1890. 

Assistant Surgeon Alexander Collar, at Wayne, Sept 4, 1883. 

Assistant Surgeon Edward Lauderdale, at Detroit, April 16, 18S3. 

Captain Richard S. Dillon, at Detroit, March 3, 1886. 

Captain Isaac W. Ingersoll, at Detroit, April 9, 1881. 

Captain Edwin E. Norton, at Detroit, March 9, 1873. 

Captain William A. Owen, at Detroit, July, 26, 1887. 

Captain George A. Ross, at Detroit July 28, 1885. 

Captain George C. Gordon, in Redford, Aug. 27, 1878. 

Captain John Withersi'OON, killed in cyclone at St. Edwards, Nebraska, Aug. 
4, 1887. 

Captain Edward B. Wilkie, Nov. S, 1875. 

Captain Andrew J. Connor, at Dayton Home, in 1890. 

Lieutenant Frederick Augustus Buhl, at Annapolis, Md., Sept. 15, 1864, of 
wounds received in cavalry fight. 

Lieutenant Augustus F. Ziegler, at Detroit, Jan. 2, 1870. 

Lieutenant Hugh F. Vanderlip, at Pontiac, Feb. 19, 1884. 

Lieutenant Ch.arles A King, in Missouri, soon after the war. 

Lieutenant John J. Lennon, of consumption, in March, 1865. 

Lieutenant George W. Chilson, at Las Vegas, New Mex., Jan. 18, 1881. 

Lieutenant Ira W. Fletcher, at Wayne, May 9, 1883. 

Lieutenant Michael Dempsey, at Detroit, in March, 1890. 
. Sullivan D. Green (N. C. S.), at Berlin Falls, N. H., Dec. 29, 1889. 

Daniel B. Nichols (N. C. S.), soon after the war. 

Company A — Peter N. Girardin, John Happe, James Murphy, Nelson Oakland; 
John Schubert, 1890 ; Francis Wright, 1889 ; and John S. Coy, 1S91. 

Company B — Andrew J. Arnold, 1891 ; James S. Booth, Willett Brown; George 
F. Higbee, 1878; Richard Maloney, 1869; Joseph E. McConnell, 1886; Patrick 
Shannon, 1872; Lafayette Veo, 1890; James Grills (Recruit). 

Co?npatty C — James M. Loud, Daniel McPherson, James S. Seeley. 

Company D — John D. Cameron (R.); Henry D. Chilson, of wounds received in 
another regiment, 1865 ; Clark Chase, Oliver Herrick, Frank Heig, killed on railroad; 
Conrad Kocher, James Lindsay ; Robert Polk, 1S90; William M. Ray, 1S79 ; Melvin 
H. Storms, Wm. Walter Sands; George P. Roth, 1880 ; John B. Turney ; Allen Brown 
(R.), 1889; George Dolan (R.), 1890. 



OUR LAST MARCH. 477 

Company E — John Frank; Thomas Gibbons, 1890; John Hogan, James D. 
Jackson, Frank Kendrick, Patrick W. Nolan, William Powers, Frank Schneider, 
Thomas Stackpole. 

Company F — Abraham Akey; August F. Albrecht, 1890; Edward Burkham; 
William Bullock, 1875 ; William W. Graves, William H. Ingersoll, Charles E. Jenner, 
George Krumback, William Kalsow; John G. Klinck, 1886; Frank H. Pixley, Eugene 
Sims by gunshot accident soon after the war; Albert L. Schmidt, John J. Sullivan; 
Andrew Wagner, 1867 ; Myron Murdock, 1879 ! Herman Krumback. 

Company G — William A. Armstrong, John Broombar ; John Butler, 1872; Peter 
Euler ; William R. Graves, 1888; Garrett Garrison; George Hinmonger, 1889; Peter T. 
Lezotte, Jeremiah Sullivan, Charles Martin; Charles Stoflet, 1890; Joseph J. Watts, 
1886 ; William G. Weiner, 1870 ; Douglas M. Page, Benjamin W. Pierson. 

Company H — Barney J. Campbell, 1881 ; Michael Cunningham, 1864 ; Michael 
Donavan ; August Gilsbach; 1889 ; Theodore Grover, 1890; Van Renselaer W. Lemm, 
A. Wilder Robinson, killed by falling out of a high story window while asleep; 
Andrew J. Stevens, 1872 ; Jacob Whyse ; Abram Hoffman. 

Company I — Peter Brink, Richard M. Fish, Francis Hynds, Alpheus Johnson, 
Cornelius Veley, Roswell Van Kuren, Levi McDaniels (R.) ; William H. Morton. 

Company K — Robert A. Bain, Andrew Bruthaumpt, George W. Fox, Abner A. 
Galpin, Artemas Hosmer, 1872 ; Frank Kellogg, David J. Kellar, James Leslie; Elijah 
Little, 1889; Barney J. Litogot, Jerome B. Stockham, Frederick Smoots, Enoch A. 
Whipple. 



DEATH OF GENERAL HENRY A. MORROW. 

It is with deep sorrow that we must record the death of our beloved 
Colonel which occured at Hot Springs, Arkansas, January 31, 1891. 
We had hoped he would survive to read this volume in which he had 
a great interest. Upon learning of his death the Survivors of the 
Twenty-fourth Michigan in Detroit, the Bar Association of this City 
and his regiment, the Twenty-first U. S. Infantry, passed suitable 
resolutions of respect. Of his war services this volume makes record, 
and it is one of the most brilliant. 

After the war, he was appointed Collector for the Port of Detroit, 
which he resigned to become Lieutenant-Colonel of the Thirty-sixth 
Regiment, U. S. Infantry, February, 1867. After entering the 
Regular Army he was assigned to important positions which he filled 
most satisfactorily. President Grant ordered him to Louisana where 
he assisted in the process of re-construction acceptably to the people. 
Later, he was sent to Utah to quell the Mormon disturbances in 
1872-3, where his conciliatory methods were successful. In 1877, 
during the railroad riots at Scranton, Pennsylvania, his discreet conduct 



478 HISTORY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN. 

won the special commendation of General Hancock. He subsequently 
became Colonel of the Twenty-first U. S. Infantry. 

He was a soldier, orator and jurist of the highest excellence in 
each. His address was affable and courteous. Meanness and injustice 
he despised. His own Twenty-fourth loved him, believed in him and 
would always follow where he led. No braver man ever drew a 
sword and he was ever regardful of the welfare of his command, every 
soldier in which could lay before him any grievance. His name in 
history is secure and deserves to be preserved in the choicest amber. 
He ever had a warm remembrance for the old Twenty-fourth and 
among his last letters was the following to Captain Geo. W. Burchell 
written at Fort Sidney, Nebraska, July 30, 1890: 

"What I desire above all things in this world is to hear of the health and 
prosperity of the remnant of the dear old comrades who stood with me, elbow to 
elbow, in the battle's storm of those horrible but splendid years when the Nation's 
life was saved by the Nation's valor. Your letter recalls many a scene. How quick 
come back the camp-fires, the weary marches, the dreadful preparation for battle, 
the long lines, the glittering bayonets, the inspiring cheers, the awful roar of 
musketry, the deep thunder of the cannon, the sickening carnage, the cries of the 
wounded, the ambulances, the mounds of fresh earth! Alas! Alas! God has been 
good to spare us so long to witness the glorious fruits of the sacrifices of the patriots 
of 1861-5. Perhaps we are not happier in our lots than the gallant men who fell 
fighting in the cause of freedom and humanity. May God be kind to those who 
are still spared, strengthen their failing limbs, and temper the winds to their 
declining vigor." 

On September 8, 1890, Colonel Morrow wrote as follows to 
Colonel A. M. Edwards : 

"I have just returned from the G. A. R. encampment, where I had a pleasant 
time, but you know I am all shattered in health. At present I cannot speak above a 
whisper. I do not pretend to give commands on the field. But I did not intend to 
tell you that your Colonel has been for a year and more, stricken by a fatal disease 
and will, in all human probability, be on the side of the majority to welcome you 
when your form shall appear on the opposite shore." 

His remains were conveyed to Niles, Michigan, the girlhood, 
home of Mrs. Morrow, where they laid in state in charge of "Frank 
Graves Post," G. A. R. until the funeral. The services were held in 
the Episcopal Church and the burial was under the auspices of said 
Post. As soon as the time of the funeral was learned in Detroit, 
several members of the old Twenty-fourth hurriedly arranged to 
attend and were present as mourners. The remains of our dear 
Colonel were laid away beneath the oaks of Silver Brook Cemetery 
with the honors of war. He has reached his last camp ground. 



Index 



Numbers Indicate Pages. See Illustration List for Portraits. 



A. 

Abolitionism, .... 

Alexandria, ..... 

Anderson, Maj. Robert, 

Army Balloon, .... 

Army Cabins, .... 

Archer's Brigade, .... 

Arsenal, Dearborn, 

Ages of Members, .... 

Allotments of Pay, 

B. 

Bagley, John J., 

Badges, ..... 

Ballon, Thomas B., 

Battlefield Duel, 

Barns. James J., 39, 42, 

Battery B., . 58, 68, 91, 95, 469- 

Battles : Antietam, 58, 69; Bull's Run, 
20; Second Bull's Run, 58; Bethesda 
Church, 256; Cold Harbor, 256; 
Chantilly, 58; Chancellorsville, 131; 
Dabney's Mill, 289; Fredericksburg, 
86; Fitzhugh Crossing, 125; Five 
Forks, 301; Gainesville, 57; Gettys- 
burg, 155, etc.; Hatcher's Run, 277; 
Laurel Hill, 238, 239; Mine Run, 
210; North Anna, 250, 251; Peters- 
burg, 260; Salient or Bloody Angle, 
241, 242, etc.; Tolopotomoy, 255; 
Weldon Railroad, 271, 272; White 
Oak Road, 298; Wilderness, 229, 
etc. ; Appomattox, . 

Beech, Dr. J. H., . 





Blair, Mrs. Gov., 






29 


12 


Brooks, Preston S., 






15 


52 


Brooks, Adjt. E. P., 






209 


19 


Bragg, Gen. E. S., 


25S, 


263, 


465 


68 


Brown, John, . 




15 


, 16 


106 


Breaking Camp, 






204. 


157 


Brooks' Expedition, 






267 


20 


Buhl, F. & Co 




40, 


364 


44 


Buhl, Frederick A., 43, 


159. 


210, 


364 


38 


Buchanan, James, 
Bucklin, Andrew J., 


] 


3. 18 


. 19 

368 




Burchell, Geo. W., 43, 261, 


285, 


287, 


362 




Burnside, Gen. A. E.. 74, 77 


, 86, 


no. 


112 


54 


Burns, John, 




182, 


416 


117 
16^ 


Battalions for Field Duty, 




92, 


258 


167 


c. 








359 










-473 


Camps: Barns, 37; Blair, 81, 


Bucklin, 





Bell, Digby v., . 
Bellore, Charles, 
Birrell, David, 
Bird, Peter C, 
Bivouac and Camp-fire 
Blair, Gov. Austin; 



42, 270, 
42, 75, 84, lOI, 

40, 43, 95, 127, 
119. 

29, 56, 



303 
359 
359 
164 
367 
186 
198 
142 



20S; Beech, 214; Butler, 297; Clark, 
62; Comfort, 71; Chandler, 83; 
Chilson, 270; Crawford, 284, 287; 
Crapo, 313; Duncan Stewart, 73; 
Dickey, 210; Flanigan, 77; Har- 
baugh, 65; Hickey, 71; Hennessy, 
73; Isabella, 105; Morrow, 52; 
Misery, 71; Merritt, 201; Meade, 
216; Nail, 80; O'Donnell, 205; Pen- 
niman, 69; Peck, 204; Shearer, 55; 
Speed, 200; Towers, 74; Wayne, 54; 
Ward, 83, Way, 137; Wallace, 207 

Civil War and its Cause, 9 

Call for 300,000 Men. ... 24 
Campaign of Maneuvres. . 205 

Campbell, Judge J. V., . 41, 225 

Cass, Hon. Lewis, 26, 31 

Capitol Park 60 

Chrouch, George W., ... 46 

Chilson, Seril. 93. 258. 264, 359 
Chilson, George W., 270.365 
Chuck-or-Luck 138 



(479) 



48o 



INDEX. 



Chope, Charles H., . .251, 368 

Chope, Edward B., . 369 

Chamberlin, L. A., . 270, 292, 359 

Church, Samuel W., . 366 

Churchill, Owen, .... 370 
Cleary, Patrick, . . . .46, 188 

Compliments to the Twenty-fourth : 
118, 124, 126, 134, 136, 144, 168, 
169, 186, 187, 287, 289, 293, 412, 

452, 466, 469 
172, 464 
428, etc. 
164, 165, 227, 284 
370, 409 
363 
360 

315 
■ 465 



Comparative Losses, 

Confederate Prisons, 

Color Guard, . 

Congdon, Arthur S., 

Connor, Andrew J., . 

Congdon, David, 

Commanders of 24th Michigan 

Commanders of Iron Brigade, . 

Cotton Gin, .... 10 

Collar, Dr. Alex., 35, 42, 84, 359 

Crosby, Calvin B., . 42, S3, 84, 360 

Cullen, James, . . 34, 4c, 103, 360 

Curtiss, Roswell B., . 81 

Curtis, O. B., 81, 99, 264, 386, 408 

Cutler, Gen. Lysander, 

Century, 

Cowards, Drumming out, 

D. 

Davis, Jefferson, 
Democratic Party, 
Departure from Home, 
Dead of 24th Michigan : 

died of wounds, 374 ; in prison, 376 ; 

coming home, 377 ; of disease, 378 ; 

Spr. R., 380. 
Dedication of Monuments, . 
Dempsey, Michael, .... 
Devotion to the Flag, . 
Deserted Home, 
Destroying Railroad, 
Dillon, Richard S., . 
Dickey, Gilbert A., 
Dingwall, George, 
Discipline, . 
Dodsley, Wm. R, 56, 128 





97. 


238, 


465 

445 






114. 


119 


19. 


306, 


444. 


450 
13 




46, 47 


48 


Killed, 


371; 





Doubleday, General, 

Drill, . 

Dress Parade, . 



93. 



408 

• 365 
163 

76. 77 

283 

40, 42, 361 

160, 181, 367 

. 368 

113. 217 

181, 251, 

275, 362, 411 

100, loi, 102 

66 

66 



unll on ±!attletieid, 




94 


Drumsticks, 


317. 


318 


Deserters, .... 




392 


Discharged, .... 


382 to 387 


E. 






Earnshaw, Abraham, 




365 


Eaton, Alonzo, 257 


270, 


366 


Edwards, Albert M., 39, 141, 149 


152, 




163, 165, 181, 185, igr, 231, 


239. 




244, 255, 258, 263, 270, 273, 


284, 




285, 291, 312, 3r4 


315. 


358 


Election, .... 




280 


Emancipation Proclamation, . 




105 


Ernest, August, . 




165 


Errata, .... 




7 


Ewell, General, 




187 


Explanation of Map, 




173 


Execution of Deserter, 




144 


F. 






Farland, John M., . 40, 42, 


270, 


361 


Fairchild, Gen. Lucius, . 




208 


Fitzhugh Estate, . 




137 


Fischer, E. Ben 




369 


Flag Presentation, 40, 201, 202, 


203, 




225, 


226, 


296 


Flanigan, Mark, 26, 32, 40, 41 


75. 




107, 113, 118, 122, 123, 157, 


315. 


357 


Fletcher, Ira W., 




369 


Fort Lyon, .... 




52 


Fort Baker, 




56 


Fords in Rapidan, etc.. 




124 


Fremont, John C, 


14 


. 56 


Frederick City, Md., 




62 


Franklin, General, 




97 


Funeral in Camp, 




108 


Fugitive Slave Law, 




II 


Furloughs, .... 




"3 


Flowers at Gettysburg, 




415 



Gibbon, Gen. John, 58, 63, 65, 66, 

68, 69, 75. 471 

. 279 

42, 360 

43. 103, 367 
21, 221, 241, 256, 

266, 310 



Gibbons, Robert, 
Gordon, George C. 
Gordon, John M., 
Grant, Gen. U. S. 



INDEX. 



481 



Grace, Newell, . 43, 128, 181, 364 

Green, S. D., 93, 144, 184, 313, 370 

Guarding Wagon Train, . 75 

Guarding Railroad, ... 83, 209 
Grand Review, ..... 310 



H. 

Haigh, George W., 
Harbaugh, David E., 
Harper's Ferry Raid, 
Halleck, General, 
Hattie, Louis, 
Harrison, Edward B., 
"Hell's Half Acre," 
Hendricks, B. W., . 
Hill, Gen. A. P., . 
Hoyt, Charles A. , 
Hooker, General, 52, 66, 86 

Home Souvenirs, 
Howard Jr., J. M., 
Howard, Shepherd L,, 
Hospital Experience, 
Houston, A. J., 
Humphrey ville, R. H., 
Hussey, Augustus, 
Hutchinson, Wm., 42, 263, 
Hutchinson, Wm. B., . 
Hutton, George, 



I, 

Ingersoll, I. W., 40, 42, 103, 360 

Incidents, 181, 247, 251, 257, 273, 282, 292 

Inspection of Regiment, . 221 

Intrenchments, value of, . . 194 

Irish Brigade. 96, 134 
Iron Brigade, 59, 65, 88, 89, 91, 93, 94, 
97, 102, 117, 126, 127, 134, 135, 149, 
157, 160, 162, 167, 201, 275, 452, 

459 -462 

J- 
Jennison, Wm., .... 40 

Journeys, .49, 60, 294 

Joy, James P., . 32 



King, Gen. Rufus, 
Kinney, H. P., 
King, Charles A., 



57. 58 
no, 364 
. 368, 





270, 


362 




2 


;, 40 
16 




57. 58 






94 




181, 


373 

258 

363 




100, 


187 


42. 


103, 


361 


96, 


131. 




133. 


134. 


152 
107 


■ 4: 


1.83, 


366 




281, 


366 
318 

437 
367 
369 


270, 


315. 


358 
365 




181, 


361 



L. 



K. 



Kelley, William, 
Kimmell, E. A. 



165 
366 



Ladd, Henry H., . 391, 432 

Lafayette, General, ... 10 

Lauderdale, Dr. E., 359 
Lee, General, 22, 57, 59, 81, 86, 133, 

196, 302, 303 

Left Flank Movement, . . 238 

Lennon, John J., . 42, 103, 364 

Lincoln, Abraham, 17, 19, 58, 62, 304 
Losses of Twenty-fourth Michigan, in 
battles, 99, 100, 128, 131, 134, 175- 
180, 236, 237, 246, 247, 252, 257, 

263, 264, 274, 293 

Louisiana Purchase, 11 

Loyal Village 196 

Log Huts, 214 

M. 

Mail in Camp, .... 216 

Marches, 51, 52, 54, 55, 62, 69, 71, 74, 

75, 134, 147, 149, 193, 196, 202, 204. 

207, 209, 212, 218, 230, 238, 242, 245, 

248, 253, 258, 259, 276, 278, 282, 290 
Maryland Invasion, . . • 58 

Marye's Height, . . 86, 96, 133 

Merritt, John C 42. 361 

Meade, General, . .84, 153 

McNoah, Wm. M 369 

McConnell, Charles H 370 

McDowell, General, .56, 57 

McClellan, General, 20, 22, 23, 56, 57, 

58. 59. 65, 74, 75. 77. 78. 452 
McPherson's Woods, .157 

Meredith, General, 83, 97, 100, loi, 

1x5. 159. 186, 458 
Medicine Rations, . 289 

Memoriam, In, .... 476 

Military Road, 274, 281 

Michigan at Gettysburg, 403, etc. 

Monuments, . 404 to 40S, etc. 

Mine Run Campaign, 210 

Miscellaneous Features of 24th, . 46 

Missouri Compromise, n. 13 



482 



INDEX, 



Morrow, Henry A., 25, 30, 35, 37, 40, 
41, 52, 60, 69, 72, 75, 77, 84, 88, 89, 
113, 134, 135, 140, 159, 160, 162, 
163, 165, 187, 189, 191, 194, 200, 
207, 216, 219, 227, 231, 280, 285, 

287, 307. 357, 474. 477 

Mount Vernon, .... 54 

Mud March, no 

Morton, Gov 117 

Material of Regiment, . . . 41 

Medals of Honor, . . 289 

Mutinous troops, .... 200 



N. 

Nagle, Wm. J., 
Nail, Henry W., 
Nation unprepared, . 
National Road, 
National Cemetery, . 
Nineteenth Indiana, 
Nativities of Regiment, 
Norton, Edwin E., 
Nowlin, James, 



. 165 

41, 103, 358 

20 

. 53. 62 

■ 404 

160, 458 

43, 44 

361 

46, 84 



Occupation of men. 


45 


O'Donnell, Malachi J., 


39, 43, 181, 362 


Original members. 


321 to 345 


Order of Companies, 


. 83 


"Old Bob Tail," 


121, 239, 472 


Owen, Wm. A., 


40, 42, 360 


P. 




Parsons, George B., 


55 


Paul, General, 


. 62, 135 


Peck, Abel G., . 40 


46, 157, 164, 181 


Petersburg Mine, 


269 


Peeble's Farm, 


276 


Peninsular Campaign, 


22 


Pickett's Charge, 


170 


Pinkney, George H., 


365 


Platforms, 


16, 17 


Pope, Gen. John, 


56- 57, 58 


Porter, Fitz John, . 


58, 473 


Port Royal Expedition, 


121 


Poetry, . . 49, 


175, 226, 371, 38r 


Pomeroy, Augustus, 


368 


Presidential Elections, 


. 13, 16 


Presentations, 


. 38 to 41 



Profanity, 80, 8j 

Promotions, . 107, 204, 217, 270, 281 

Progress of the War, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 

56, 57, 58, 103, 204, 266, 284, 298, 305 
Pursuit of Lee, .... 193 



R. 



Raccoonville Raid, 
Raiding, 

Raising the Regiment, 
Rain Storm March, 
Raymond, Francis Jr., 
Raymond, James F., 
Raid to Meherrin River, 
Republican Party, 
Relief Fund, 
Rexford, Wm. H., . 
Residences of Members, 
Regiment of Relatives, 
Renton, John, 
Reynolds, General, 66, 
Resolutions, 
Review of Army, 
Resignations, 
Recruits, 

Richmond Evacuated, 
Riot on Campus, . 
Robinson, Col. W. W., 
Root, Roswell L., 
Roster of Officers, 
Ross, George A., . 



Safford, W. S 

Sedgwick, General, 

Secession Doctrine, 

Seventeenth Michigan, 

Seventh Michigan, 

Shearer, James F., . 

Sham Battles, 

Short Rations, .' 

Shoddy Contractors, 

Shattuck, Lucus L., 

Slave-holders' Rebellion, 

Slavery, .. . 9, 10, i 

Spaulding, L. A., . 

Speed, Wm. J., . 35, 40, 42, 

Stowe, Mrs. H. B., 

" Stonewall Jackson," General, 





218 




73 


24 


051 




71 




370 


109 


370 




281 




13 




38 


42, 157. 


36a 




45 




46 




46 


124, 125 


422 


• 115 


116 




118 




210 


346 tc 


35& 




302 




25 


• 159, 


238 




276 


256, 


357 




363 


43, 


364 




133 




17 


55. 59. 63 




86 




368 




5^ 




77 


107. 


109 




367 




3-23 


I, 12, i; 


. 18 




I6S 


S3, 160, 


36a 




12 


22, 57. 




131. 


133 



INDEX. 



483 



Stewart, Duncan, 
Sonthern Confederacy, 
Shelter Tents, 
Soldier's Knapsack, . 
Soldier's Menu, 
Soldier's Letter, 
Second Wisconsin, 
Sixth Wisconsin, 
Seventh Wisconsin, 
Stewart, James, 
Survivors, Records of, 
Sumner, Charles, 
Sumter, Fort, 
Smith, Dr. C. C, . 
Sprague, A. W., . 
Stevens, Alex. H., 
South Mountain, 
Stafford Heights, 
Start for Gettsyburg, 
Suggett, Thomas, . 
Sunday in Camp, 



The War Meeting, . 
Tree Cut Down, . 
Towar, Dr. Geo. W., 
Trials of the March, 



U. 



26, 32 

18, 19 

67 

■ 74 

80 

. 119 

453 

• 457 

457 

471 

382-392 

13 

• 19 

42, 359 

42, 364 

19 

58, 63 

86 

142 

165, 182 

. 220 



33 
244 

359 
76 



Uncle Tom's Cabin, 


12 


Underground Railroad, 


. 12 


Uprising of People, 


. 19, 20 


Unaccounted for, 




V. 




Vanderlip, Hugh F., 


• 369 


V. R. C, . 


. 382-384 


Veteranizing, . 


205 


Visitors, .... 


. 142, 360 



Virginia Winter, . . .114. 

Vinton, Warren G., 35, 39, 42, 103, 

360, 4' 5 

W. 

War Meetings, .24, 29, 33-37 

Ward, Eber B.. . . . 26, 37 

Walker, C. I., . . . 33, 37 

Way, Rev. Wm. C, 42, 72, 88, 102- 
103, no, 118, 155, 181, 183, 185, 214, 

264, 270, 289, 360 
Wallace, Walter H., . 37, 42, 162, 364 
Washington's Slaves, . . .10, 55 

Wadsworth, General, 126, 136, 168, 235 
Warren, General G. K., 133, 169, 213, 

301, 302 
165, 182 

■ 367 
181 

165, 181, 258, 364, 4U 
276 

367 
140 

43. 75. 363 



Wagner, Andrew, 

Wallace, Elmer D., 

Welsh, John W., 

Welton, E. B., 

Welch, Norvell E., . 

Welton, F. E., . 

Westmoreland Expedition, 

Whiting, H. Rees, 

Wight, E. B., 35, 39, 42, 102, 103, 118, 

160, 162, 210, 359, 42a 
Wight, W. W., 35, 42, 220, 239, 248, 

251, 258, 270, 315, 357 

95. J 27 

102 

128, 181, 362 

230 

270, 366 

363 

13 

. 106, 214, 287 

. 259 

367 

- 370 

56 



Wight, Sergt. W. W., 
Wight, Stanley G., 
Witherspoon, John, 
Wilderness, . 
Wilford, Albert, 
Wilkie, E. B.. 
Whig Party, 
Winter Quarters. . 
Whiskey Rations, 
Wheeler, Wm. T., 
Wheelhouse, Demain, 
Woodbury, General, 



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